Update 2: AD to join GWU demo
Updated 5.35 p.m.
Alternattiva Demokratika said this afternoon that it would be supporting the demonstration organized by General Workers' Union on the utility tariffs on Thursday.
Party leader Arnold Cassola said: "Last 6 October we had said that this issue should not be partisan because the basic living conditions of the Maltese and Gozitan people are at stake. We had also invited the social partners to take the lead in unison in this just battle and that we Maltese politicians should be prepared to follow the united social partners in this important issue. For this reason, next Thursday Alternattiva Demokratika shall be there to follow, as promised".
Earlier this afternoon the GWU said that the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) had confirmed its participation.
The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) confirmed its participation in the morning.
The GWU said the purpose of the demonstration was to protest over the utility tariffs and to demand their review, or compensation for the workers.
The Malta Union of Teachers said it would be joining the GWU's protest because of the threat posed to people's incomes and the government's complete disregard of all the social partners' views.
"As it has always done on previous occasions when workers across the country were facing the brunt of unfair decisions, the MUT will be joining forces with its colleagues hailing from other social partners to protest against:
"The threat to democratic processes in the country through a complete disregard of all the Social Partners' views
"The threat to the livelihood of several families with low income
"The threat to the livelihood of pensioners
"The ever increasing burdens on workers and their families," the union said.
It urged its members to realise the importance of this issue from a trade unionistic perspective and join forces with its officials in the protest march to send a loud and clear message to the country's politicians that the workers of this country had a voice which must be heard.
The GWU in a statement this morning said that the Labour Party, the Campaign for National Independence (CNI) Moviment Graffiti, and Zminijietna - Lehen ix-Xellug had also confirmed they would take part in the protest.
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dusty william
Nov 11th 2008, 16:56
S Zammit
He does'nt even respect himself nor his Union nor his affiliates but he surely does respects GonziPN.
A. Attard
Nov 11th 2008, 16:34
Gejtu is showing that he is not there for the workers. Shame on him not joining the manifestation. He is part of the PN, everyone remembers 97/98 he went on general strike, but now when the tariffs are much more expensive, he just sits there and watch. Shame on him - UHM members should withdraw their membership and join other unions who really care about them!
David Farrugia - It-technician
Nov 11th 2008, 16:33
@ V Micallef
The deceitful worker representative is the one who writes or authorise poisionous articles in his newspaper against another Union, putting a person's integrity and respect in serious doubts.
This is not acceptable and very unethical... Do tell Tony Zarb to make an apology and ask the editor to stop publishing articles against other unions.
S. Sammut
Nov 11th 2008, 16:28
UHM is chickening out. It has no excuses except that it is just another trade union puppeteering on a string. UHM under Gejtu Vella has lost all sense of credibility in acting only according to who is in government. And yet, he tries to pose as if he leads a free trade Union. Come on Gejt, this time you've cornered yourself and your Union. Hats off to the Union of Nurses and AD who are showing true sense of autonomy. The utility tariffs hefty increase is a threat to all Maltese citizens. Taking to the streets only when it is convenient to the Party in Government has never been on the agendo of Union of Nurses and AD. The others, including the GWU cannot boast so much of these credentials. Stand up and be counted Gejtu Vella or just resign and make way for someone else who would not mix politics with trade union rights. That would be a start for local trade unionism and may GWU follow siut. A united trade Union autonomous front would bring the Political Parties to their real senses!
Charlie fava
Nov 11th 2008, 16:28
@ Micallef.
I don't agree that UHM should participate unless the GWU publicly apologises to Gejtu Vella. It was a serious attack against his integrity as the leader of a general trade Union. How can the UHM accept an invitation who is publicly insulting and claiming suspicion on the integrity?
Come on GWU do apologise and the UHM will attend.
d farrugia
Nov 11th 2008, 16:27
I can't understand one thing! why could maltese citizens protest in 1997-1998 but not now ???? maybe because at that time labour was in goverment! you are so closed minded!! and please cut the crap about the international crises it has nothing to do with the w &e bills!! price of oil has gone down nearly half the price! DID YOU HEAR LABOURS PROPOSALS YESTERDAY?? i think tonio fenech and lawrence gonzi didn't since nobody commented on them!!
V.Micallef
Nov 11th 2008, 15:17
In my view the best message came from Mr Franz Zammit Haber: "I have no doubt that the article mentioned in it-Torca was put in with a purpose at this time.FORGET THE CRAP AND JOIN THE PROTEST GEJT - OTHERWISE YOU WILL NOT BE A GENUINE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE WORKERS......" Well said, friend, we're all in the same boat.
Ray Gatt
Nov 11th 2008, 13:42
@ Joe Galea - "What happened in the past is now a very far past and who made mistakes at that time has paid bitterly for them".
Would you be so kind as to clarify please.
S Zammit
Nov 11th 2008, 13:20
I join in favour of showing solidarity with sec general of UHM.
He is a most respectable person.
GWU - Please apologise with Vella. It would be a most mature thing to do. If you have done something wrong, just apologise.
All Unions - Organise another manifestation together ans show solidarity with each other. I will attend!
A Bonanno
Nov 11th 2008, 12:31
Why is it that few have condemned the personal attack against Gejtu vella's integrity on last Sunday's GWU newspaper 'it-Torca'??
I would not have the courage to invite someone to work with me, when at the same time I publish a personal article against him. At least I expect that Tony Zarb, obo the GWU makes a public apology and ensures that such rubbish articles against other left leaning unions do not appear on his newspaper.
I think that the Unions should unite together and organise the protest together and not organised by just one Union.
I join other workers who showed solidarity with Gejtu Vella against such stupid personal attacks.
Thank you.
C Lia
Nov 11th 2008, 11:54
@ ALL,
Did anyone read the personal attack against Gejtu Vella (Secretary of the UHM) in last Sunday's newspaper it-Torca?? It is written by a senior member of the GWU.
It is a BIG SHAME.
Why was it published this week? Exactly at a time when the same Union is inviting everyone for the protest??
Strange hux? L-ewwel nistiednek biex tinghaqad mieghi, imbghad f'pagna ohra naghmel attak kontra l-integrita tieghek u b'mod personali!!!
Ninghaqad mal-haddiema l-ohra biex nuri solidarjeta' ma' Gejtu Vella tal-UHM.
Nitlob lil GWU biex tiddisasocja ruhha minn dan l-attak viljakk personali kontra s-segretarju generali ta' Union ohra.
Nissugerixxi li minflok il-protesta tal-Hamis issir ohra mill-Unions KOLLHA flimkien.
Joe Galea
Nov 11th 2008, 11:39
To all PN apologists: If it was for you we should succumb in silence and suffer because you come up with every excuse imaginable. We are paying this sour price to make up for the incompetence of this arrogant, anti-social government which has a thin-wafer majority and which now lost its big asset A. Sant. The pains we are forced to go through, has nothing to do with international crises or oil prices, etc, it has to do with the mismanagment, unaccountability and bad governance of a stale dictatorial government.
All social partners should participate in such protests with no exception, they are there to represent the citizens not to lick the boots of the government. What happened in the past is now a very far past and who made mistakes at that time has paid bitterly for them.
Ray Gatt
Nov 11th 2008, 09:44
Did any of you ever see the GWU protest whenever there was a labour govt.?
@ Ivan Galea - Minority govt. you say. I say you're still living between 1982 and 1985. That's when the majority of the population of Malta voted for PN and Labour had a majority of seats. Now that's a minority govt.!!!
Last general election the majority of the Maltese voted for a PN govt. for the next 5 years, and so it will be.
By the way, go and protest as it's your right in a Democratic country like ours. But always remember that that right was given to you by a Nationalist Party. In the 70ies and 80ies, whenever we protested, and believe me if there was a time when one had to protest it was then, we used to be met by masked police and labour thugs throwing tear gas, shooting and beating us. Ask the students who protested in those days. We had ministers surrounded by criminals who would go up to Castille and beat up the students. By the way, one of todays' labour deputy leaders was a high ranked officer in the police force in those days.
Noel Cutajar
Nov 11th 2008, 09:27
In this blog everyone wants to remind us of the past...that during the Labour administration the utility bills have increased and so forth. But can anyone tell me that the 1998 PN administration has done anything to reduce such bills? The answer is simple - NO!! They remained as they are and in actual fact the PN administration increased them further...so why all this blubbery talk of the past. It is NOW that we are paying the bills, it is NOW that the families have an increased burden on their shoulders.
J Martinelli
Nov 11th 2008, 02:21
"The threat to democratic processes in the country through a complete disregard of all the Social Partners' views" - so says the GWU.
The government takes the Social Partners views, but who says that their views are necessarily right? The GWU? - Anti-EU- anti-Ewro -anti everything?
Does the government not have the right, through a democratic process to govern the country?
With regards to the MUT and MUMN joining the GWU, they will be also in the good company of the Labour Party, the Campaign for National Independence (CNI) Moviment Graffiti, and Zminijietna - Lehen ix-Xellug.
A good step forward for the Teachers' Union and the MUMN.
And all this because of W & E bills which other countries with all kinds of resources are similarly paying?
Of course, AD needs to prop itself any way it can, so it is not a bit surprising that it would go for a bit of free publicity.
D.Micallef
Nov 10th 2008, 23:25
Social partners such as the UHM, GRTU and MHRA will loose their credibility if they dont join their collegues within the MCESD. They are either AGAINST or in favour of the proposed tariffs.
S.Mangion
Nov 10th 2008, 21:51
My remarks are simple:- can all the PN supporters please stop acting like PN is a football club, and whatever he does, is right for this country. Also we want to look forward.
Times have changed...Dr.Sant is not the leader of the MLP BUT Dr.Muscat is. Repeating what happend 10 year is useless.
This problem is now, not 10 or 20 years ago.
The budget and non-budgetary measure should help the nation to develop and strenghten its self.
We should thank God that we did not have a banking crisis. However the Current Maltese Government is not implementing the best polices to boost the micro and macro economy structure of our country.
When the first bills will arrive we are all going to have to pay them out. This will mean less purchasing power and therefore the probabilty will be that the economy will shrink.
I sincerly hope that the Government and the oppostion work together to solve this matter out and help the economy to grow.
David Zarb
Nov 10th 2008, 21:51
Gr8 to hear that more bodies are joing the demo.. AD- well done, MUT- well done, the more the.. stronger!! united we stand! Well done, let's all join in. Forget any poilitical beliefs or affiliation.. be objective and see the real aim and cause of all this. Let's all join.
C Cassar Castladi
Nov 10th 2008, 21:05
Where is gejtu vella & co????????
Alfred Camilleri
Nov 10th 2008, 20:59
Michael Fenech et al
Why should we do you any favours and stop mentioning the 70s and the 80s? Because you are ashamed of those shameful and horrid years when Labour was in government?
The MLP has always been a Bully Party and a threat to democracy whenever it was in power.By the look of things it doesn't seem that the mentality and attitudes of the past have changed in the Party.
The people who lived through those years and those who were too young then, or were not even born, would do well to remember what this tiny country went through during those years.
R.Gauci
Nov 10th 2008, 20:42
Everyone have to get united against these infamous tariffs its definitely not a question of political colours! Where is the GRTU? Do you know Mr.Vince Farrugia how many shops will have to close because of them? And if some one has some doubts about it we will talk in a year period if the government will keep his bulldozing decision!!
daniel farrugia
Nov 10th 2008, 19:50
why can MUT join UHM in her protests and cannot join GWU??????? aren't the 2 unions sided with one party or another????? btw we are living in 2008 for those who haven't noticed yet not in 1987!! it seem's like you people are happy with paying the bills and utility tariffs..... GOOD LUCK!
G.Mangion
Nov 10th 2008, 19:12
@ MUT and MUMN
You both Shun, the mlp, Manifistation yesterday, all the Social Partners did ( no not the gwu )
that is because as everybody knows, THE gwu IS THE PRIVILEGJATA OF THE mlp AS STATED BY ALFRED SANT !! You were the First to Condemn the mlp position then No ?
is this Gonna make you, PRIVILEGJATI TAL - mlp too ? Your Members are not BLIND !!
they never were IPRIVILEJATI BY THE MLP OR THE GWU BACK IN THE 80'S ! NEVER FORGET ,THAT THE SAME OLD PEOPLE ARE STILL ON THE OPPOSITION SEAT, AND THE STORY, CAN REPEAT ITSELF.
mike pace
Nov 10th 2008, 19:07
Its time that all the unions joined hands as one unite front and prepared for the long battles with one voice against the government as he starts to roll on the top of nation without any actions at all.
We know that the UHM got its members suffering from these distract tariffs why are not calling any streets protest at all and shown their disapproval against this right wing measures as they call themselves to be a independent union without any political hidden agenda behind their backs.- Wake up Mr Gejtu Vella and co and prepared your metal shields and hear your voice for the running battles ahead - bring yours tariffs bills and buckets on Thursday to show your anger Mr Vella
Jerome Attard
Nov 10th 2008, 19:06
I think that these protests are ill-timed. Let's wait until we get the bills! I am sure that many people have not realised the magnitude of the increases.
What's more is that the rates are retroactive and will be based on estimated rather than real consumption. Let's exercise our democratic right and protest - or is democracy a 5-yearly occasion?
Some people here seem to be comfortable living in the 80s - you're much older now - act your age!
Jimmy Borg
Nov 10th 2008, 19:01
Well done AD. If only the other social partners removed their blue blinkers for once and supported all true Maltese on this issue. Some hope!
Christian Camenzuli
Nov 10th 2008, 19:00
all well demonstrate..its a democratic right after all...but the most important thing is not the demonstration and macho speeches... the most important thing is a viable proposal that is sustainable! unfortunately in this country we'd rather shout and grumble without offering solutions to what is a complex problem that is here to stay!
so please do put forward such proposals when you're giving your speeches otherwise its a useless exercise!
bryan sullivan
Nov 10th 2008, 18:59
gwu etc etc will be on the march on thursday. bloggers are numerous on this page some in favour , others against. the end result will be that come thursday a few thousand will march and let off steam . democracy demands that the government voted periodically in power by the majority takes those decisions which it deems correct to make taking into consideration the economic situation existing at any point in time. all should agree that the price of oil has increased exponentially and has to be paid for. i , for one , certainly do not enjoy having to pay more for my electricity and water consumption. i however do realise that somebody has to pay to cover the cost of our oil importation bill . this can only be done either directly through each of us paying for what we consume or indirectly through government making up for any eventual shortfall out of the communal purse made up of the taxes which we all, hopefully, pay. my question to all those taking to the roads on thursday is whether there is an alternate option which can be worked into the equation. otherwise....?
Simon Galdes
Nov 10th 2008, 18:34
Would have never imagined the MUT to participate in such an activity when the heavy investment being done in the educational sector over the last years has been praiseworthy. Sorry, Mr. Bencini but you are leading the organisation into a cul-de-sac. With the MUT being a non-political organisation, this is a real faux pas and will surely lead to sincere and loyal MUT members withdraw their membership with immediate effect. Such action is simply uncalled for!
P.Schembri
Nov 10th 2008, 18:21
Looks like the PN isn't liking this development in industrial relations. It tried the Divide and Rule and looks like it's not working. So, by the looks of it, the PN is sending out the elves to sow suspicion between the members of the MCESD and the Trade Unions. But looks like it's going to explode in it's face. Looks like the Government isn't liking this one bit! Keep it up Unions. United you're strong, separate, the workers suffer!
a.mangion
Nov 10th 2008, 18:18
I can fully understand M J Gatt's concern when one remembers that during the dark days of 1984 it was GWU supporters who attacked and destroyed the MUT HQ after attending a rally at the WMB. It was the GWU who worked aainst the strike called by the MUT with all the repercussions that followed. I only hope that if and when the time comes, the GWU will rise to the occasion no matter who is in power.
R.Scicluna
Nov 10th 2008, 18:09
What a load of rubbish... why don't you all go to work...threat to democratic processes my foot!
mario borg
Nov 10th 2008, 18:08
@a.mangion
Yes may we see the day and hope we will see it now and always because it is then that this nation will be truly democratic. Unfortunately in 2008 and we are still living in dictatorship, obviously in a discrete and non physical form.
The violence is still there but this time it is mental.
And please UHM do join in the protest. Remember that you are there for the rights of your members and their families.
J Farrugia
Nov 10th 2008, 17:57
This is all incitement which will get you nowhere. The people have spoken in the March election and gave their approval not to Alfred Sant or Labour but to a nationalist government and this will last for the next five years. It seems that these elves do not know what's happening elsewhere. They want to continue to waste and waste and subsidies and subsidise. We are living off thin air. and there will come a time when the carpet will be withdraw from under our feet. And that time has come. No one wants to pay what's really due. The MUT wants the police in every classroom, the MUMN wants the police in every medical clinic, and who will pay their salaries? Joseph u Tony? It's you the people who will have to pay. Labour still doesn't have any remedies except in fighting between themselves. Labour will still cling to these tariffs because there is no escaping reality. Besides labour is still invaded by the same people who were with Mintoff in the 70s, with KMB in the 80s and Alfred Sant. The threat is still there ready and biding its time.
ALBERT FENECH
Nov 10th 2008, 17:51
Goodness me! Some of your contributors are really living in the past, bringing up stuff that happened 25 and 30 years ago. It reminds me of a married couple I knew. When they had arguments they used to mention things that happened 30 and 40 years ago like it were yesterday. Our Prime Minister has laughed off yesterday's manifestation and this coming one as "theatrics". He has a good grounding in "theatrics" of a very recent nature. Following the performances of Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando just a few months ago, the performance of "theatrics" must still be very much vividly in his mind!
simon amato
Nov 10th 2008, 17:42
WELCOME MUT AND MUMN. NOW NO ONE CAN SAY THAT UHM IS AN INDEPENDENT UNION!! WITH ALL RESPECT TO GEJTU VELLA AND CO. IM NOT THAT STUPID TO BELIEVE UR AN INDEPENDENT UNION. YOU MUST UNITE WITH GWU MUMN AND MUT. DON'T MENTION ALWAYS THAT GWU IS PRO LABOUR AND UHM IS NOT PRO PN COS I'M NOT FOOLISH TO BELIEVE YOU. THE EXORBITANT INCREASE IN WATER AND ELECTRICITY BILLS WILL EFFECT EVERYONE MR VELLA AND CO.
Franz Zammit Haber
Nov 10th 2008, 17:35
I have no doubt that the article mentioned in it-Torca was put in with a purpose at this time.
FORGET THE CRAP AND JOIN THE PROTEST GEJT - OTHERWISE YOU WILL NOT BE A GENUINE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE WORKERS......
Tony Gatt
Nov 10th 2008, 17:34
If the GWU really wants the UHM to participate in the protest, why did it publish a personal attack article against Gejtu Vella (Secretary General of UHM) on yesterday's torca????
Did you read the article?? Shameful! I cannot understand how you invite someone to work with you, and at the same time you write a public article ridiculing and insulting him!
And to add insult to injury, this article was written by a senior member of the same GWU.
The GWU should apologise with Gejtu Vella before it invites it to the protest!
michael zammit
Nov 10th 2008, 17:32
Doesn't the POLL to the right of this blog say enough?.70% of respondents are saying scrap those tariffs and seriously get back to the discussion table with the Social Partners WELL DONE MUT,MUMN.
David Buttigieg
Nov 10th 2008, 17:30
Can anybody, JUST 1 of you lot explain to me why I should pay other people's electricity bills as would happen in the case of subsidies?
Where do you think the government gets the money for subsidies?
ronald galea
Nov 10th 2008, 17:30
at last, we are seeing someone with enough guts to challenge the big brother gonzipn
prosit guys. hope mube will join as well
A. Grech
Nov 10th 2008, 17:20
Dear U.H.M., when are you going to organize your protest? Or do you now agree with the tarrifs? Stop serving the government, think of serving your members and stop acting as Il--Kelb tal-But ta' Gonzi/Gattpn.
E Gatt
Nov 10th 2008, 17:15
That anyone can take part in a protest/demonstration in a free country like Malta is not being questioned.
I am sure there is nobody who will enjoy paying higher W&E bills. But can someone let us know how these protests are going to reduce Malta’s dependency on Oil please?
If I don’t pay for my water and electricity consumption , who should? My neighbour and fellow taxpayer? Isn’t this arrogant and irresponsible? Why is so difficult for some adults to understand that there is no such thing as a free lunch?
Ethelbert Schembri
Nov 10th 2008, 17:07
Welcome on board
Charles Camilleri
Nov 10th 2008, 17:04
I ask the MUT president to count the number of teachers who would be accompanying him in the march. The MUT president should be ashamed to join the GWU that never saw anything right in this Govt that has done so much to give dignity to the teaching profession. Mr. Bencini should be ashamed to support a union which connived in the past with the Labour Govt in beating down and humiliating its members. Shame.
S. Degabriele
Nov 10th 2008, 17:04
Seeing that many unions are going to take part in this demonstration, it is clearly understandable that these are all concerned about the future of us workers. I think its time for us all to put aside our political beliefs and if these new W&E tariffs are going to harm us, we have no alternative than joining this manifestation.
J. Tonna
Nov 10th 2008, 17:01
HOW CAN WE FORGET THE PAST WHEN WE HAD OUR OWN CHILDREN BEING TREATED LIKE A HEARD OF GOATS AND THREATENED.
Whenever we see certain faces on the media we cannot but remember the past.
NOT ONLY THAT BUT WE REMIND OUR CHILDREN ABOUT THEM. REMEMBER THAT PERSON?
Franco Farrugia
Nov 10th 2008, 16:56
The MUT should get the go-ahead from its own paying members.
Byron Camilleri
Nov 10th 2008, 16:45
Other social partners... what are you waiting for?
M J Gatt
Nov 10th 2008, 16:42
@ Charles Marsh
I wish I could "forget the past": but seeing some old faces in the MLP, it is simply impossible. Furthermore how come that the GWU did not take the same lenght of time to study the tariffs as it did when these tariffs bacame nearly as high as they are today when oil was just $12 per barrel during the MLP administration. Is it because it is previleged by the opposing party of the govt.!!!!!
@ Manwel Mifsud
I agree with you 100%.
Joseoh Dalli
Nov 10th 2008, 16:35
Prosit MUMN u MUT!
Sa fl-ahhar!
U jigi Tonio Fenech u jghidilna li qalbu 4 day-week, ghax in-nies ma jridux jisbiehu!
U hallina!
Budget 2009
Nissussidjaw l-irresponsabbiltà!
A. Attard
Nov 10th 2008, 16:33
good move MUMN!!! Where are the other unions??? Are they really there for their members? or they are afraid that daddy PN will not like them anymore? shame on them not attending the manifestation!
renaldo azzopardi
Nov 10th 2008, 16:30
I ask the MUT, that before joining another 'political' union in a protest march, she should protect her own members and solve her internal problems. I am so disgusted with MUT to shoulder a extreme labour union. MUT is not a political union so she should not interface with a political union. Shame, If MUT joins GWU than me and my friends are out of MUT.
a.mangion
Nov 10th 2008, 15:56
May we see the day when the GWU joins the MUT in protest against any unfair measures taken by a future MLP government.
Dunstan Crockford
Nov 10th 2008, 15:40
Quo Vadis MUT????? What a short lived memory the council has!!! Poor Alfred Buhagiar,late and lamented ,must be turning in his grave!!!
Have you forgotten how they tried to disrupt our Union meeting at the ABC in Floriana,prior to our lock out????
It was not about bills then...our lives were at stake! What followed is history ...albeit forgotten by some!
Ethelbert Schembri
Nov 10th 2008, 15:39
@ A Tabone
You are lost my friend , when was the time that the social partners were trying to work together ??
In my knowledge the GWU invited all of them for the manifestation , so the GWU is trying to work together with them .
The other social partners and more seriously the UHM are not working with the GWU to safeguard everybody’s interest because they are only interested in their interest and the interest of their Political Party !!
So why should the GWU apologise with Gejtu Vella ? Just because he just happened to be the person leading the UHM ? The UHM is disinterested to speak out to protect the workers they represent .
philip pace
Nov 10th 2008, 15:35
We are experiencing troubled and very hard times brought upon us by events and decisons taken by the wafer thin majority of a Government, which whether you voted for or against the same Government are going to affect you.
It is not the time to dwindle in the past. That has gone and is written in our history. It is not even the time to sit back and let your democratic rights be squashed and eroded.
These are really uncomfortable times regardless of the fact that in these last 10 years or more we have been promised heaven on earth only to discover that we have been conned and conned again.
Therefore the MUT deserves to be applauded for taking a stance.
I do hope that the other Unions and Social Partners would show their SOLIDARITY (I do remember that wonderful word in the late 70s, but it just a remembrance) when they join up
the protest on Thursday.
Malta and Gozo expects you to do so.
eric saliba
Nov 10th 2008, 15:17
yeah sure. use yesterday's article in it-torca to stay away on thursday as well.
UHM should be there with the GWU and MUT if they really want to be taken seriously as defending their members from the arrogance of this minority govt !
Charles Camilleri
Nov 10th 2008, 15:15
This is all nonsense which belittle the intelligence of the teaching community. The MUT officials have forgotten where the real threat to democracy lies. Perhaps old members can give some lessons to their President about this.
A.Gauci Cunningham
Nov 10th 2008, 14:50
No doubt the utility Bills astronomic increase is a big mistake!! The Unions have all reason to protest and come up with better alternatives!!! The govt. should be humble enough to retract if it doesn't want to face a backlash of epic proportions !!!!!!!!
Charles J Buttigieg
Nov 10th 2008, 14:16
In all fairness I do understand the reluctance of the social partners to participate in a manifestation organised by a political party, I do not agree but I do understand the mentality and still respect their opinion.
The manifestation which is being organised by the GWU is something else; all trade unions in other European states show solidarity with each other and unite when times call for the spirit of brotherhood to be demonstrated. MUT is showing us that it has the right credentials to call itself a free trade union.
It’s up to UHM now to show its members which substance it is made of.
Muscat.Pat
Nov 10th 2008, 14:14
@J.Tonna and A. camilleri
MUT is right; energy hikes will hit everyone including teachers. I obeyed teachers strike in the 8o's, and I will attend next Thursday. As a teacher I encourage my colleagues to do likewise. Or, is it not part of democracy to be counted when government tries to take tax payers for a ride?
I Abela
Nov 10th 2008, 13:45
@ A. Tabone - While I agree that the timing was not right, I don't agree that we shouldn't expect the UHM to participate in the manifestation. The unions are there to protect their members, not to pose infront of TV cameras. This is the time when the people need protection and representation, so YES, I expect every credible union to be there. This time it is not the MLP organising it, so there are no political excuses. Also remember that UHM in the past, under a Labour government, asked for an Lm9 weekly increase in wages, and also protested against the utility tariffs of Alfred Sant. Gejtu should show solidarity with his members and attend for the protest. If he feels that the article in the torca was defamatory he should file for libel, if he doesn't that means the article was 100% correct. Unfortunately thats how it works for public figures, you're guilty until proven innocent.
michael fenech
Nov 10th 2008, 13:41
@ M. MIFSUD
AND ALL PN. APOLGISTS , PLEASE DO US ALL A BIG FAVOUR AND STOP TALKING ABOUT THE 80's (ITS OLD NEWS) .
LET'S TRY TO GET OUT OF THE HUGE MASS THAT THIS PN. GOVERNMENT PUT THIS COUNTRY OF OURS IN.
J. Tonna
Nov 10th 2008, 13:09
Mr Charles Marsh, you told Manuel Mifsud: "You're still living in the past. You are talking about something that happened 25 years ago".
Those of you who were not in Malta 25 years ago should know that many of the persons who committed obscenities 25 years ago are still in leading posts. So beware!!
John Azzopardi
Nov 10th 2008, 12:53
I would have given MUT more credit for intelligence. But alas! What are all these people hankering against full payment of power tariffs expect? Obviously other taxpayers to pay their electricity bills for them! If government were to subsidise electricity bills such subsidies would have to come out of taxpayers money. No government prints money. This country has had too good for too long. The price of fuel is what it is and the country has no option but to pay full price for it. Therefore consumers must also pay full price. It is as simple as that.
A Bonanno
Nov 10th 2008, 12:51
I would like to show my and my family's solidarity with Gejtu Vella, Secretary General of UHM against the article written by a prominent member of another Union.
This should not have been allowed at this time, when the social partners are trying to work together in favour of all workers. Why did this article appear just right now, when the UHM is going to decide whether to attend the protest or not? Maybe there was an agenda behind it.
GWU... Please be more sensitive to articles appearing on your newspaper, especially with regards to insinuations against other unions.
If you are all aiming to join together, these childish attitudes should be stopped.
Please Unions, stop the crap and work together.
J Sammut
Nov 10th 2008, 12:48
@ Manuel Mifsud.
Still stuck in the 80s? Should matters of governance in 2008 be based on issues that happened over 20 years ago, after the people of Malta dealt with these successfully by voting the ruling party at the time out of governance, and after party administration changed twice for labour and once for PN? Issues have changed, administrations have changed, governments have changed, the social reality of Malta has changed. Party loyalty in Malta hasn't. The present issue is not Mintoff and teachers; it's Gonzi, utility bills, the present price of oil, and the present standard of living of Maltese people. Any opinion on this present matter? Our problem in Malta is that too many people agree or disagree with policies coming from either PN or MLP based on what Mintoff did in his time, evoking democractic practices at that time to settle claims. Well, the tides have turned, even if some don't realise. Gonzi called yesterday's demonstration theatrics. Now, how democratic is that? It is the people who govern, and like we voted Mintoff out once and for all for inappropriate administration, the people reserve the right to do the same with the present administration
Alexander Darmanin
Nov 10th 2008, 12:41
Finally people and unions feel the urge to unite and show the existing government that enough is enough.
With such a nasty budget every citizen hurts his pocket and so action must be taken.
People must stop thinking about their party,but instead think of how or rather who they need to elect to do good for their country.
Governments are elected by the people and so the peole would want to know of any outcome prior to any decisions going to be taken by governments.
The problem here in Malta lies with the fact that the people remain dogmatic and will only vote the same parties over and over again..
This off course is what I call the see-saw effect.
What we need is more choice of parties,eventually a young generated party with a modern vision to actually improove the island and it's people,and by introducing firm laws in every respect and made sure by means of agincies that these are abided.
We could do so much being a small island in a very short time but unfortunately people have to wake up and work together as one,not as a flock of sheep that follows the so called leader.
A Tabone
Nov 10th 2008, 12:22
I agree with A Camilleri and T Ellul.
It-Torca and the GWU should be ashamed for publishing this article at a time when the social partners are trying to work together.
What is even worse is that the article is written by a senior member of the GWU.
How do anyone expect the UHM to participate with persons who attack you personally??
The GWU should apologise with Gejtu Vella. The MUT should dissociate itself from this personal attack and ask Charles Agius to ask for an apology.
maria falzon
Nov 10th 2008, 12:10
I really hope the rest of the Social Partners show their disapproval on how they were treated by Austin Gatt. It is time to show that we the people count. We are hurting and the government must know it. Its unfair that we the common people are loaded with taxes for mistakes we did not do, are forced to change our cars, while they drive around in gas guzzlers.
charles marsh
Nov 10th 2008, 12:09
@Manuel Mifsud
You're still living in the past. You are talking about something that happened 25 years ago.
Open you Eyes and see what's happening today and leave the past behind!
Ingrid Jones-cameron
Nov 10th 2008, 12:06
well done MUT. During the Labour legislations the so called social partners and other unions were so eager to be partisan and attend PN protests. Now suddenly they have become bipartisan!!!
A. Agius
Nov 10th 2008, 11:43
Where are the other social partners? Don't you have the guts to stick out your necks? Or is this protest organised by the MLP as well? Any other excuse would do, as long as GonziPN reigns!!!
edward bartolo
Nov 10th 2008, 11:36
In every democracy the people are sovereign. This power is delegated to the government to govern in the best interest of the people. It is therefore, contradictory for any democratically elected government, to ignore the people's needs, especially, in difficult situations like the current situation we are in. The EU should know, that Malta is a tiny state, with its own special needs, which may be in contradiction of similar needs in much bigger countries. I would like to ask: "Does it make sense to privatise everything in a state like Malta?" The evidence is corroborating the opinion, that what might look like gold to other countries, may be rust in our case.
T Ellul
Nov 10th 2008, 11:33
I too condemn the article published in It-Torca of yesterday.
I cannot fathom why the editor left this article against the Secretary general of the UHM to appear at this time, when the social partners are trying to conciliate their misunderstandings and take a common front.
It is very strange that while in the first few pages of the newspaper published by the GWU, there is an invitation to the same Secretary General of the UHM to participate in Thursday's protest, and then in another page there is an article against him!!!
Would you accept an invitation from someone, when on the same day he makes a personal attack against you??
This was a very STUPID thing to do..... Now I am seriosly doubting if the invitation was really genuine.
Unless the GWU dissasociates itself from this article, and publicly excuses itself with Gejtu Vella, I think that the UHM should not participate.
jesmond zammit
Nov 10th 2008, 11:32
welldone m.u.t.
I hope that other unions start to act like unions and sometimes they protest .
not like UHM yesterday. in 1998 UHM protested against the labour government
Ivan Galea
Nov 10th 2008, 11:29
At last.....maybe all is not lost for Malta.....wake up other so called unions, Mr Gejtu qum min hemm and unite.....against this MINORITY government,,,,,or maybe it is not in the interest of some to show oppostion against this minority government...i wonder....
J. Tonna
Nov 10th 2008, 11:25
@ A. Camilleri.
I agree with you 100% and also show my solidarity to Mr Vella. I assure him that we remain more loyal to UHM, the true workers' shield.
A Camilleri
Nov 10th 2008, 11:14
Dear MUT,
Do you condemn the article published against the Secretary General of UHM in yesterday's 'It-Torca"? It was an infernal attack against Mr Vella, accusing him of things for which he was not responsible in the past.
I think MUT should immediately issue a press release to condemn this article. I wonder about the true intention of the GWU when it asked the UHM to participate in Thursday's manifestation, and then at the same time, it publishes an attack article against the Secretary General of the same union.
In the interest of the workers, this article should not have been published.
I show my solidarity to Mr Vella, and assure him that we remain more loyal to UHM.
Byron Camilleri
Nov 10th 2008, 11:10
Well done MUT. Someone needs to stop this arrogant government...
ivan scicluna
Nov 10th 2008, 11:10
Well done to the MUT. This shows how wise was it for the GWU to organise its protest separately from the MLP manifestation. Teachers with different political views should join their leaders in the MUT and march with fellow workers from the GWU and perhaps also from other trade unions. I appeal to the GWU to continue to follow its independent position about the utility tariffs and organise its protests independently of what the MLP does. Only in this way we can have a True Trade Union Movement that defends the working classes from the onslaught currently being unleashed by the present regime in government. Judging by what the working class is feeling at the moment, it seems the moment is nearing when all workers will join forces to resist the bad decisions and broken promises of this government. And teachers are a class of workers who are being treated as 2nd class "professionals" with their working condition in continuous decline.
Maria Dolores Fenech
Nov 10th 2008, 11:09
How come 2 unions, namely MUT and GWU, are the only ones sticking their necks out? Should the others start rolling its sleeves up?
Michael Gatt
Nov 10th 2008, 11:05
After joining the MLP mass demonstration of yesterday my courage was built up again and I intend to continue strenthining my hopes by taking part in the GWU demonstration on Thursday
Manuel Mifsud
Nov 10th 2008, 10:46
I thought the MUT was joining the GWU protest to reciprocate the assistance it received and sympathy shown by the GWU with the teachers who were locked out without pay in the eighties!