Unions to join forces in historic protest

Malta's trade unions have joined forces and will be taking to the streets on Friday to protest against the hike in water and electricity rates and the way the government has undermined social dialogue.

In what was described as a "historic moment in trade union relations", the country's five major unions, which together represent tens of thousands of workers, have agreed to hold a joint manifestation in Valletta, replacing the General Workers' Union demonstration planned for tomorrow.

"We are sending the government a clear message that trade unions are willing to come together to fight for workers' rights," Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin general secretary Gejtu Vella said.

He called on the government to return to the discussion table and leave its know-it-all attitude behind. The unions are meeting again today to formulate a clear common stand.

Sitting beside him, GWU general secretary Tony Zarb said: "We are calling on all workers, pensioners and their families to come to Valletta, so that together we can send the government a clear message against the new tariffs."

If the united call falls on deaf ears, the unions are not excluding other measures, including a national strike. They are incensed that the government has forged ahead with the new tariffs despite strong opposition.

The initiative is the first event that unifies the unions on the same cause. Apart from the two biggest ones, the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions, the Malta Union of Teachers and the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses are also taking part.

Mr Vella said the unions had exhausted all avenues and now had no choice but to urge people to protest on the street. When the Labour Party had announced its manifestation, held last Sunday, Mr Vella had said the union would exhaust all negotiations before considering such a move.

"We did our best with all our tools. This is an important tool," he said.

He said the unions formed one of the three partners (the others being the government and employers) on the Malta Council for Social and Economic Development and the government could not undermine important social dialogue by acting as if it was stronger.

"We don't want a government monopoly because we too have the national interest at heart. The government chose to be hard-headed and not take into consideration the burdens it is imposing on people," he said, adding that the dialogue had lacked a social conscience.

CMTU president William Portelli said this was a major step forward for local trade unionism and the start of a new relationship.

This was echoed by Mr Zarb, who said the move could lead to more discussion and cooperation between unions in the future.

Later, standing ovations and loud applause characterised a rally at the GWU's headquarters in Valletta, where members were informed of Friday's protest.

Mr Zarb described it as a historic moment which made him proud. He kept repeating that the unions were going to form "one fist" against the burdens the government was imposing on workers.

The GWU, he said, had managed to convince all the others to unite within only 24 hours of starting discussions, and he hoped this would be the start of a new and long chapter of collaboration on such issues.

"We will show the government who is performing theatrics," he said in reference to the Prime Minister's criticism of Labour's own manifestation against the new utility rates.

"We will see whether they will continue to slam the door in our faces."

The Nationalist government had now emerged as a wolf after posing in sheep's clothing before the election, and now was the time to end its arrogance, he said.

The unions' message was "revise or compensate".