Inter-union conflicts cause damage (1)

It is a sad time for the local trade union movement because of the current CMTU-MUT rift. This rift is causing undue damage to both these trade union organisations, their leaders and their respective members. I am convinced that many would agree that the CMTU would stand to lose without one of its major and longstanding affiliates and conversely the MUT stands to gain and deserves its rightful place within the CMTU.

I believe that the CMTU and the UĦM's respected co-founder, the late Salvino Spiteri, and his colleague, the former respected MUT president, the late Alfred Buhagiar, would have acted more wisely and with mutual respect towards each other. With their respective members' (workers) legitimate interests at heart, they would not have let any disagreement reach the present proportions. Surely these two stalwarts would have resolved their differences amicably for the benefit of all concerned.

Trade unionists know very well that inter-union conflicts do not add up and do not inspire the much-needed unity among workers, particularly in times of national difficulties.

May goodwill and good sense prevail.