Updated: PL asks President to intervene in GWU-Freeport dispute

Joseph E Briffa

Apr 19th 2009, 17:19

Dr Toni Abela. I am afraid you are either living in cuckooland or you would like to take the mickey. Perhaps you can answer some questions. How come the GWU accepted the results of the Dept of Lbour in three instances in the past 5 years when they had a quarrel with UHM on union representation and now it refuses to accept the result; maybe because the quarrel is with MDU? Secondly, the MDU members aren't even port employees; so how does the Freeport management come into the fray, and with what logic does the GWU order its handful of the burdnara members to go slow? Thirdly, it was mentioned on the media this morning that the GWU are trying to rile President G Abela, the ex-legal adviser to the MDU. If this is true it only continues to show the mentality of the leadership of the GWU. Fourthly, does not getting the help of foreign unions to boycott the Freeport constitute foreign interference? Fifthly, what does the GWU hope to achieve by trying to harm the Freeport and putting the jobs of its workers in jeopardy? Is this the way it protects the interests of the Maltese workers?

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 13th 2009, 16:14

Joseph Ellul, if you are following the case, the GWU did not seek help from the PL, but has taken this matter to court. Funny you should mention ILO! Does ILO agree with a face to face interview verification process?

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 13th 2009, 12:58

Michael Vella, What made you think that bothering people of your ilk should bother me?

No matter what you might say, it is evident that the questions I am asking are based on facts. Now if you can't handle that, I don't think that thats my problem....

As for your statement that a union rep has to be politically biased, wrong again.

Ever since I have been interested myself in Uninon matters, I have met a large number of shop stewards with different political ideals. I have no doubt that people like you would fail to understand this!

Of course, if Union officials in high places contest elections under a party banner, then you are right....but hey, those where not GWU officials hux?!

As for Marlene Mizzi being biased, by your argumentation, almost every Maltese individual is biased, and as such, unable to form or communicate an opinion.

Is this the democracy that people like you envisage for all of us?

Joseph Ellul

Apr 13th 2009, 12:42

@ J. Camilleri. ..I do not know you from Adam. As for your interest I am one of those Shipwrights at the MDD who were denied overtime by your kind of people. I did not ask for help from the pn because I do not believe that a political party should fight for my rights. The rights of a worker are written and understood by the ILO, but the GWU is like Mugabe in Zimbabwe. Even when the GWU wins it still manages to destroy the industry it manages to take over. The only good thing that the Gwu did was to send the best workers out of the MDD and these people found their way in other industries. These same wise tradesmen are now against the GWU. What goes around comes around.

R.Gatt

Apr 13th 2009, 11:19

@GaleaL - The PL and GWU are the last ones who should explain DEMOCRACY to the nation. Why don't you ask Dr. Toni Abela, the one who together with Dr. Wenzu Mintoff were chucked out of the MLP by the men in shorts. What about the GWU officials who had different views to Tony Zarb and were made to leave the union lately? Now I suppose that is Democracy Mr Galea?
I challenge any PL apologist to mention just one industrial action taken by GWU when MLP was in power. JUST ONE.

Mike Magri

Apr 13th 2009, 07:38

Mr. Michael Vella.. In Short...The sad story about SeaMalta was nothing else but a dirty ''Chess Game' by PM. No.2 and Grimaldi Group to OUST the GWU from the management of the ports, etc.. The result was that Grimaldi took SeaMalta on a silver platter, Lock-Stock & Barrel, i.e. Assets, Goodwill etc.., without paying a single cent..!!! Also, after all this, expenses on cargo shipping by the new Grimaldi company, have not been any cheaper at all...!!!

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 12th 2009, 22:05

Michael Vella...I have never hidden my political beliefs. I am Socialist true and true, and find it laughable that people like you think that I'm going to hide that!

My being a socialist has not stopped me from commenting regarding a host of issues, not necessarily related to politics, and in the past, I have openly gone against certain stands taken by the Pl. Can you say the same?

Those who know me know what I;m talking about. Perhaps you could ask dear Joe Vella to do some more research!

I do not think that everyone is idiot...but well, some folks here are doing their best to seem so.

Now, since you have obviously followed your namesake's lead, I trust that you will easily shoot down my in your book biased questiions, and answer with some simple unbiased answers!


As for Marlene Mizzi, of course she is biased...by your reasoning, in Malta who isn't?


I am sure that your idea is that only those apartaining to the Nationalist party, and those granted high Government positions are capable of being unbiased!!!!!

Now THAT was amusing....

Michael Vella

Apr 12th 2009, 20:01

@ J. Camilleri

It seems like not that many people agree with any of your comments or sarcasm. You seem to be having a monologue here with a series of contradictions that are utterly laughable. You say that "Partcipatory involvement in a trade union does not amount to political bias". Well i am sorry but the post of Assistant Secretary with the GWU does in fact equate to obvious political bias. Also, comments such as 'Dr. Fenech Adami and his hysterical schreeches' and 'discarded by the then Nationalist Government' (referring to Dr. Xuereb) are clear evidence of your political beliefs.

Who are you trying to fool? The problem with the GWU is people like you who think everybody is an idiot, blind to the facts of the world surrounding them. I am sure that people with your attitude within the GWU, contributed in no small manner to the recent GWU disaster at Sea Malta. Now you will tell me to go ask Marlene Mizzi about this, but again, she is bound to be biased and blame the government, since she is going out for the EP elections under the PL ticket!

Please continue to amuse us!

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 12th 2009, 17:12

Meanwhile, strange as it may seem, you have the usual anti everything but Pn bloggers out in force ganging up here, and strangely silent on a plethora of controversial issue....strange hux?

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 12th 2009, 17:06

All workers....Kindly heed Joseph Ellul's wise words!

Do not resort to industrial action...take it as it comes and slave it out, just as long as you earn your crust.....

You're not a reincarnated feudal Lord by any chance are you Mr. Ellul?

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 12th 2009, 17:03

M Catania, kindly check web archives mid December

M. Catania

Apr 12th 2009, 12:43

@Jeremy Camilleri

Which was the other case and management of other company? Can you specify more?

J Martinelli

Apr 12th 2009, 12:39

Dr. Toni Abela, are you writing on behalf of the Labour Party or on your own personal behalf?

In your position, anything you write is taken into the context of your position within the LP, therefore, intentionally or not, you are implicating the LP in this issue,

As you may very well know, the LP (MLP) has made many serious errors in the past, including declaring the GWU as the 'preferred union' and now is the time that it sheds its bias and stay out of this dispute brought on by the GWU.

This is one of the reasons why you will long be retired before the LP is elected to govern.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 12th 2009, 12:28

Victor Vella :

The Archbishop intervened on a national issue which, at the time was causing vociferous debate. The reasons he gave were something in the vein of national unity etc. Now this is another issue which is causing quite a furore. With the same reasoning, he should also intervene...but of course, this issue might not be deemed as important by the people of Malta's Archbishop.

As for your nonsense regarding the Pn not declaring war on the Church etc, I am glad that the PL, in the past stood up to the Church's oppression, otherwise we would still be living under a Catholic Taliban.
Funny how you should mention Dr. XUereb.

Of course I assume that you are referring to the late Paul Xuereb of course!.
I remember Dr. Xuereb, and I recall how he was left as acting President, and then discarded by the then Nationalist Government.

I also remeber Dr. Fenech Adami and his hysterical schreeches outside the law Courts. I also recall his lies before the 2003 elections....Do you?

Now to the issue at hand, I have been making a number of simple questions. Care to answer some?

G. Mangion

Apr 12th 2009, 12:13

@ Labour Party deputy leader Toni Abela

Lay off ! and Let the gwu try to fix the wound it made to itself, This is for the Court to decide
and Not , H.E ! as you well know ! as far as I know the gwu's is, We We will Rock you :)
Rock, who ? It's own Members As Always, the Earthqauke has begun at Last, but for the gwu adminisTRATORS only.........

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 12th 2009, 11:19

I meant employers of these workers...rather than employees..

victor vella

Apr 12th 2009, 11:03

@Jeremy J camilleri
First and foremost the Archbishop intervened simply because he felt free to do so and as the PN Government never declared a war on the church he felt safe to do so.
The PL has asked the President to intervene, ha ha ha, are you lot stilla party of knocking on someone's door to ask for favours, is this the way the PL is thinking of governing?
You say that now we have a President urging unity, have you forgotten Dr Xuereb, and others, can you in any way forget the way Dr Fenech Adami governed Malta? what is the unity you believe in Jeremy? the one we had in the early 80's ala Sant and co?

Mario P Ellul might have referred to when the PL did not choose Dr Abela as a leader(a fact that you lot all regret if not now in future) but do you remember when Tony Zarb chucked him and others out of the GWU?
No the President should not intervene in any way.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 12th 2009, 10:43

Joe Vella? Apologise, to you? Exactly who are you? Julius Caesar.....The Archbishop of Canterbury?You do seem to have a rather high opion of yourself!

As stated in other comments, I have never kept a low profile. I do not write under an alias as I clearly have nothing to hide. I'm sure you know alot of Jeremy J Camilleris in Malta!

This is an open comments page, and I doubt that you have become the editor.

Of course, when others declare ALL their affiliations I shall do the same here.

Of course, one thing is certain, for me, union involvement has nothing to do with a gravy train. Can the same be said for others commenting here?

Of course in your opinion, anyone with certain principles should not be allowed...

So MDU officials, people with relatives who are employees of these workers, people paying PN membership....etc etc should be banned according to Joe Vella Mellieha.

On the other hand, as I am sure that your comments are only a vain, deluded attempt at shutting me up....

I don't blame you really, you havn't countered ONE of my arguments.

d.magro

Apr 12th 2009, 09:34

We all remember what happened to the GWU and its Section secretaries when there was the issue of Air malta/Airport. They ended at court, and George Abela was the Union Lawyer. I agree with Toni Abela in his plea to the President to intervene and help in this issue that Gonzi created.I am sure that through George shrewed expierence, there would not be any losers or winners. This habit of placing a garnishee on Union assets has become a habit by the Freeport. I urge the GWU to take up this matter within the ICFTU and the ILO so that in future , the employer would noy use the "shield" if there are any issues. One final note...Your excellency, this is not a PL issue but a Union and employer issue and its a test for your immense knowledge which I am sure that you will be able to handle to the benefit of all.

J. Schembri

Apr 12th 2009, 07:21

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. We all have rights , workers and employers.
Calling for a strike even by a minority of workers at the free-port for recognition is dangerous.
Strikes should be approved by ALL the workers with a secret ballot. I clearly recall the Phoenicia mess the GWU did in the 90's. The victims were the misled workers.
President George cannot do much from his position , after all he was fired by the GWU because he did not do as told by his employer.
First Tony scrambles an egg and then George is asked to put it back together. If anything President George will help the MDU which is his baby.

Francis Attard

Apr 12th 2009, 06:57

I feel bound to express myself, not on this issue, but at the fact that when I, together with others, were denied overtime at the drydocks because we were not members of the GWU, no one ever appealed to the President or whoever to intervene. And to make it even worse, we didn't find any help from the nationalist party either, even when this injustice went on under a nationalist administration.

Joseph Ellul

Apr 12th 2009, 02:10

@ all readers... This is not a time for industrial action. No matter who is in the right, industrial action is a no.no. We are living in dangerous times and when workers lose their jobs no union can give them what they have lost. I would rather earn a crust as an employee than to be unemployed. Live and survive today to be strong and fight another day.

Muscat.Pat

Apr 11th 2009, 23:34

If my memory serves me right, during the Labour Government, the Free Trade unions-some of whom are part of the Forum and others like the UHM which is not- always glamoured for secret ballots when strikes or membeship numbers were at stake. Why is it now that everything is back to square one, and members are forced to confess in front of a person their beliefs or membership? This is a farce and any serious union- the UHM amongst them- should protest against this "volta faccia". This is about unions dignity and anyone who is having a field day should at least refrain from saying he has the workers at heart!

Mario Bonnici

Apr 11th 2009, 21:12

PL should stay out of this dispute between two unions.

@Dr.Tony Abela
"To conclude, I would like to make it clear that this was my personal opinion."

You haver to be careful when expressing your personal opinion in public. Remember that you are a very high ranked figure in the party.

K.Serracino

Apr 11th 2009, 21:05

GWU think before you act.

Joe Vella (Mellieha.)

Apr 11th 2009, 20:10

@ jeremy j Camilleri

Can you point out to me where in any of your previous posts you have declared your involvement with the GWU.

I will be the first one to eat my words. Failure to do so, I think you should apologise. The reason being is that the opinions expressed by you as a lay person would carry more weight then those of someone who is directly associated with the GWU.

Joe Vella (Mellieha.)

Apr 11th 2009, 20:05

@ Toni Abela

The Following are your words; "I never meant that the President should solicit the Courts not to interfere in the matter."

To me that is meant that the President ought to Interfere; period.

Frank Portelli 2BFRANK

Apr 11th 2009, 19:50

One week ago

Times Of Malta Friday, 3rd April 2009

George Abela wins Libel damages

President-elect George Abela was yesterday awarded €2,000 damages after a court found he had been libelled by a press release issued by the General Workers' Union in August 2006.

The press release was issued by the union's information secretary, Charles Vella, following the removal of Josephine Attard Sultana from her post of public section secretary.

Dr Abela, the union's former legal representative, claimed he was libelled by the press release entitled

The public sector section's extraordinary general meeting - more unfaithful reporting by the PN's media.

Dr Abela, a lawyer by profession, had testified that the press release declared that he had said he was satisfied with a decision of the courts in the case filed by his client Ms Attard Sultana against the GWU.

the press release the union also said that Dr Abela had satisfied the PN media while carrying out a disloyal attack on the GWU.

No Further Comment is necessary

Dr Frank Portelli
2bfrank4u

Michael Vella

Apr 11th 2009, 19:46

@ Dr. Toni Abela

It is good to see that politicians have started to take note of what people say and come out in the public to explain their views. Thank you for doing so and i hope other politicians can follow your lead in this case. It's good to feel that our politicians are close to the public sometimes.

Personally i don't agree with your opinion on the matter. I don't think the President should do anything to intervene, whether it be by power of persuasion or otherwise. As you said the rule of law is sacred and as unfortunate as it may seem, this stands for the GWU too. I don't think a garnishee order is healthy, but to be honest i don't think strike action caused by a lack of recognition is healthy either.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 11th 2009, 19:37

Michael Vella and Joe Vella make an interesting tag team....Interesting if ineffective.

Partcipatory involvement in a trade union does not ammount to political bias....you do sound so confused dear Michael...perhaps you should get another extra friend involved...

Meanwhile...my questions remain unanswered....I wonder why? At least give it a try dear Vellas....I await with bated breath.....

V.Sacco

Apr 11th 2009, 19:33

@Magro vincent
ma nafx kif l mdu qed tghid li hemm 370 eligibli ghal dan l ezercizzju ghaliex hemm biss 366 ghax hemm 4 postijiet vakanti li ghadhom ma ntlewx. issa l mdu qed tghid li hemm 43 workers li qed jobdu id direttivi tal gwu, u hemm 327 workers li huma membri tal mdu dan qalitu qabel ma sar l ezercizzju u anke wara li ma tantx narha li taghmel sens. ma nahsibx li minn dawk il 43 li qed jobdu d direttivi wara dan l ezercizzju dahal jissieheb mal mdu waqt l ezercizzju. jien semmejt il membru tal familja tieghi ghax fuqu nista nitkellem izda naf certa li kien hemm iktar li ghamlu l istess certa li kien hemm min hu membru fl mdu u ma ppartecipax f dan l ezercizzju. naf certa wkoll li kien hemm min ippartecipa ghal dan l ezercizzju u qal il verita li huma membri fiz zewg unions jigifieri l mdu u l gwu.

l GWU zball wiehed biss ghamlet li ma kienitx qed tassisti l hin kollu hlief ghal ewwel gurnata, u tikteb kemm il haddiem ippartecipa f dan l ezercizzju.

Dr.Toni Abela.

Apr 11th 2009, 18:41

I described what has happened as a blackday , not in so far that the precautionary garnishee order was obtained , because that is within the right of Freeport to do so . I do not find it healthy to industrial relations in general to request such orders , before a final court judgement is delivered . I did not mince words and made my disagreement known when a similar cation was instituted against UHM . Luckily , on that occasion no such garnihsee was ever obtained . UHM did not find itself stranded with her liquid assets frozen until judgment was delivered , which if I am not mistaken was in it's favour .

I never meant that the President should solicit the Courts not to interfere in the matter . God forbid that any such suggestion be ever made . The rule of law is sacred . I do believe that the President could use his power of persuasion so that the precautionary warrant be withdrawn . The GWU"s existence is at stake . It worries me to think , that this has set a precedent which will instill a sense of wariness in other Unions.
To conclude, I would like to make it clear that this was my personal opinion

David Pisani

Apr 11th 2009, 18:27

I think that its true. Democracy is under threat. Workers and people have the right for a ballot vote. Even in election everyone vote freely.

This method finds also support from the Industrial Tribunal. Only Dr Noel Vella seems not interested in this method.

Well done Forum of Trade Unions, GWU, Zminijietna - Voice of the Left, Various University Lecturers, Labour party and many others who are calling for a ballot vote. Lets democracy prevail. But we have to push for it.

Keep the pressure!

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 11th 2009, 18:08

Now Joe Vella..I really suggest you try a little bit harder. This is way too easy for me.
.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 11th 2009, 18:08

Joe Vella, I have made my position clear time and time again.

I am not ashamed of holding a voluntary position within the GWU. It's not as if I keep a low profile, so I suggest you dig deeper in a vain attempt to find some dirt.

Now, once again, I shall ask the same question. WHy are you so interested in what I do, and so disinterested in the anti-GWU commentators?

Is it possible that no one writing against the GWU is an official with the MDU, or even worse, affiliated with the mysterious employer? If that is so, does that not bother you?

Are you suggesting that anyone with an opinion or affiliation is censored? My oh my, that goes so against the grain of your darlings doesn't? Angli tad-demokrazijja was it not?

Now your questions are so hard to answer.....

The GWU, together with management of a certain company opposed the Director of Labour's method not more than 3 months ago. As is this case, another union was swearing that it had more members...Result- GWU granted recognition...
Secret Ballot..Yes..commisioned by GWU with all parties invited, and carried out by an independent, high integrity party!
Satisfied?

.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 11th 2009, 18:06

Joe Vella, I have made my position clear time and time again.

I am not ashamed of holding a voluntary position within the GWU. It's not as if I keep a low profile, so I suggest you dig deeper in a vain attempt to find some dirt.

Now, once again, I shall ask the same question. WHy are you so interested in what I do, and so disinterested in the anti-GWU commentators?

Is it possible that no one writing against the GWU is an official with the MDU, or even worse, affiliated with the mysterious employer? If that is so, does that not bother you?

Are you suggesting that anyone with an opinion or affiliation is censored? My oh my, that goes so against the grain of your darlings doesn't? Angli tad-demokrazijja was it not?

Now your questions are so hard to answer.....

The GWU, together with management of a certain company opposed the Director of Labour's method not more than 3 months ago. As is this case, another union was swearing that it had more members...Result- GWU granted recognition...
Secret Ballot..Yes..commisioned by GWU with all parties invited, and carried out by an independent, high integrity party!
Satisfied?

.

Michael Vella

Apr 11th 2009, 18:01

Thank you Mr. Joe Vella for clearing up why Mr. J. Camilleri (who seems to have absolutely no political bias whatsoever :) is so keen to defend his beloved GWU. And he has the audacity to accuse me of politcal bias when he holds the position of Assistant Secretary in the GWU. What a joke!!! Please continue to amuse us with your passionate (not biased) defense of your own so called union. I would call THIS a dark day for the GWU when they resort to using their own Assistant secretary to promote their own agenda on this blog.

Joseph Borg

Apr 11th 2009, 17:25

As there are too many Joseph Borg from now on I am J S Borg. Now it seems that the port workers answer the membership question by saying yes to anybody who asks. So the only solution is (a). as suggested by someone, suspend the go slowers and let the union fight it out for them (b). make the port workers sign a binding decleration infront of a notary or lawyer.

And by the way what is wrong if the workers are repsented by two unions if say one of them represents 40% while the other represents 60%; I am sure that both unions want the best for their members.

Having a very long experience it seems that the GWU is living in the sixtieswhen we used to have strikes for trivial excuses, one time because the sun rises up on time and the next time because it sets on time.

J Cilia

Apr 11th 2009, 17:13

The President of Malta knows the GWU too well and can probably understand what is at stake better than any other person, for this reason he will not get involved.

Charles J. Buttigieg

Apr 11th 2009, 17:04

A comment made by a regular contributor namely-
“If my memory serves me right the GWU did not feature prominently in heeding our President's advice - not even when he was its legal adviser!” endorses my contention and underscores that some people are already out for the kill. Tpaxxuhomx.

Anthony Magri

Apr 11th 2009, 17:03

The Smurfs have raised their voice to condemn the GWU. These Smurfs do not accept a secret vote but want to ask "viva voce" employees who risk to be black listed whether they are members of the GWU or not. If I were one of them I would tell the interviewer "that's not your business" or tell me with whom do you side "With the P.N. or the L.P."
According to these Smurfs this is the right thing to do. No secret ballot. Democracy at its worst.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 11th 2009, 16:57

J Oatman, could you specify the majority in favour of MDU?

The Director of Labour hasn't, so could you enlighten us as to were you've got this info?

Victor Degiovanni

Apr 11th 2009, 16:51

The comments here are one sided. The facts are ignored the General Workers Union had in fact won an independently held secret ballot which the freeport management had so far ignored, and is trying to reverse . The GWUl is within its legal right to call industrial actions in defence of the Dock workers. The right to strike is sacred, and GWU should continue this struggle against these undemocratic tactics, to its bitter end. Other Unions and all workers should show solidarity as they will be next on the list if the GWU looses this fight

Charles J. Buttigieg

Apr 11th 2009, 16:43

Our Presidents, especially our present one must keep away from any political, religious, industrial or any other controversy as they will no doubt end up as the pig in the middle.

I honestly think that the port workers themselves are the protagonists of a game of cowboys between their in-house union and their GWU by their subscription with both unions. The PL,our PL,should keep its distance from this confrontation and the GWU should opt for an honourable way out - call off the industrial actions forthwith and concentrate on the recognition issue.

Eating a bit of humble pie is not a sign of weakness; in this case it would serve as nourishment for the long term and avoid the potential risk of going down to another Phoenicia fiasco which would give immense pleasure to the beneficiaries.

Really dear Tony, what were you thinking?

Carmelo(Nenu)Aquilina

Apr 11th 2009, 16:38

Halina Dr Toni, Il-President Gorg Abela ghalfejn tridu izzefnuh fin-nofs, int wiehed mill-izjed li taf kif suppost isiru l-affarijiet. Tahseb li l-President Gorg Abela ma jafx x'ghandu jaghmel,altru li jaf. Tghid mhux qed jistenna lilhek biex ittih il-pariri. Nahseb li inti ghandek bzonn il-pariri.
Tghid is-Sinjuri tal-GWU ma jafux x'qed jaghmlu, hazin jekk ma jafux, Issa hemm il-ligi li taf x'ghanda taghmel.
Dr Toni Abela mhux ahjar lill tal-GWU tghidilhom biex jikbru ftit, u ma jdahlux izjed lill haddiema Maltin f'sitwazzjonijiet inkwetanti bhal dawn!
Il-haddiem Malti lill min jghejnu jinghaqad aktar f'dawn iz-zminijiet ghandu bzonn, u mhux lil minn jifirdu ghal interessi partigjani.
Il-haddiem Malti lil minn jiggarantilu x-xoghol ghandu bzonn u mhux minn jipprova jaqla l-inkiet u jipprova jgib lill xi industrija gharkupteja li tasal li tkecci l-haddiema.
Kullhadd ghandu jinzam responsabli ta'ghemilu, anke il-GWU ghanda tinzam responsabli ta'dak kollu li taghmel. Mhux sewwa li l-poplu jkollu jhallas bit-taxxi tal-hsara li tkun ghamlet xi'Union. L' Ghid it-Tajjeb lill-Maltin u l-Ghawdxin kollha!

J Cilia

Apr 11th 2009, 16:23

PL should call on GWU to play by the rules of democracy and professional industrial relations. GWU's actions denote a bad loser's attitude. Tony Zarb has been pushed in a corner by militant personalities within his leadership team, who knows maybe a mutiny is being staged.

Joseph Borg

Apr 11th 2009, 16:21

The president has nothing to do with this joke. Leave him alone. Just because GWU is losing members by the minute, especially now that this union does not have power anymore, does not mean that they just stop a business from operating.

j.cassar

Apr 11th 2009, 16:20

The President should not get invovled in such matters.

The GWU can go to Court either to challenge the acceptance of the garnishee order by the same court, or to challenge the Director of Industrial Relations if he acted not within the parameters of his authority.

I do not think that the thousands of workers who may be affected by this industrial action will be amused if their jobs are put at risk. Now is not the time to send the wrong message baout Malta's reliability as a trading partner.

J.Cassar

J Spiteri

Apr 11th 2009, 16:20

Mr. President,
if you intervene , don't forget how much money the country lost due to GWU useless actions in the past years. its time to say "Enough is enough".

magro vincent

Apr 11th 2009, 16:18

@V.Sacco.

Jien m'hinix ghalliem tal-matematika u l-anqas ma ghandi ezamijiet f'das-sens/
Imma ejja nghidu li ghall-qarib tieghek li ma ppartecipax fill-votazzjoni, kien hemm haddiem iehor li dahal fl-MDU, kif tahseb li kien johrog ir-rizultat?

Joe Vella (Mellieha.)

Apr 11th 2009, 16:11

One course of action for the Employer to follow; suspend the 43 workers with cause - failure to carry out their duties. Let them and the GWU go to the Courts.

c caruana

Apr 11th 2009, 16:06

Long live the GWU-You will never walk alone!!

Joe Vella (Mellieha.)

Apr 11th 2009, 16:04

@ Jeremy J Camilleri

"Michael Vella..Culd you enlighten us as to how you reached your conclusions regarding this matter,?(putting aside your obvious anti/union, anti PL glasses of course)"

Prior to telling Michael Vella, or anyone else for that matter, to put aside any anti/union, anti PL glasses you should come clean yourself.

Why don't you come out and declare your bias and tell us all that you occupy the position of Assistant Secretary within the GWU.

Why didn't the GWU oppose the process used in the past?

What secret ballot are you talking about? The one commissioned by the GWU itself?

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 11th 2009, 15:55

We've had the ARchbishop intervening in the San Gwann scandal..for the sake of national unity or some other excuse....

Now we have a President urging unity, and yet had a hand in this mess....so yes...maybe he should try to mediate...

As for all the others blabbing on as if recognition is a foregone conclusion, the simple questions remain unanswered....

Is a one on one interview fairer than a secret ballot?

Why did MDU fear a scerte ballot?

Which employer asked the Director of Labour to go ahead with his farcical method?

Why hasn't the Director of Labour given anyone a detailed result?

Of course, the anti worker brigade can continue to spew venom...but well, are'nt we used to it?

As for Mario P Ellul, George Abela got fewer votes, rather than discarded..

So by your same reasoning, were Lous Galea, John Dalli, Guido Demarco and Censu Tabone discarded by the PN?

Ernest Vella..In this case, is Freeport the employer? rather mysterious....

It seems that some people are dead set against democratic procedure, as evident in the Port worker issue!! So the angels of democracy spread their wings and fly into the blue blue sky....

c.camilleri

Apr 11th 2009, 15:48

Is the role of the new President? To save the Gwu from its own follies?

Michael Vella

Apr 11th 2009, 15:47

@ Jeremy Camilleri

Before enlightening you about the matter, i suggest you first take off your political glasses and see things as they really are. As i said, i am blessed that unlike you, i have not brainwashed by any political party and never will be. Neither do i have anything against any union taking industrial action...if it is called for. If this is the case then i am all for industrial action, but sadly this is not a case in question.

Now answer this, does the Freeport currently have any direct dispute with it's workers? Bad pay conditions? Not enough leave? Too little overtime? Too little sick leave? (A simple yes or no will do) The only dispute here revolves around the GWU and it's power struggle over port workers. The so called union you rather not mention, the MDU, also happen to represent dock workers (probably the majority) but i don't see them taking industrial action that will hit us all.

If the law states that the Director of Industry should oversee the vote, then so be it. Sorry but the GWU is not above the law; not anymore at least!

J. Borg

Apr 11th 2009, 15:37

The GWU lost all her strenght at the Malta Drydocks due to her closure, now GWU is trying to gain her strenght at the Malta Freeport. Grow up and think only in the workers' interest!!!! Why all this fuss, the union's only interest should be to be able and safeguard the workers job, considering the grave situation that all employees are facing.

Michael Seychell

Apr 11th 2009, 15:36

History repeats itself. In 1997 the Freeport had taken the UHM to court requesting damages of 1,000,000 LM amounting to 2,330,000Euro. The issue was the energy bills which were increased astronomically when the oil was at its lowest ever at 12 Dollars per barrel. At the time Tony Zarb did not raise his voice to defend the workers, it was only the UHM on its own who took industrial action. The GWU commissioned a study report, amd as it happened this study was entrusted to Dr. George Abela and Lino Spiteri.

I wonder where was Toni Abela and those who are today stating that this is a Black Day for Malta. A Black Day for Malta was when the GWU and the MLP were united in marriage in 1978, which marriage of convenience stood for 14 years, when Anglu Fenech decided that this was a mistake , and ended the GWU/MLP fusion contract in 1992.

I feel certain that none of us should try to tell the President what he should do. I have full trust in his ability to decide on what the Presidency should do.

V.Sacco

Apr 11th 2009, 15:27

@S Schembri
Less votes?
Mdu said before this exercise that 327 workers were members of mdu. After the exercise mdu said, I quote "The MDU has 327 recognised members according to the exercise." a member of my family is an MDU member and he didn't participate in this farce exercise so Who's the Maths teacher now??

Ernest Vella

Apr 11th 2009, 15:26

I cannot understand the trouble....Free Port must just call every worker and see with which Union is he and if GWU is in minority they cannot order a strike for they are truly in minority...GWU is losing credibility...seems....this what bring to be sided with a political party...Mr.President....neither you are above the law...pay attention

R Pace Bonello

Apr 11th 2009, 15:25

I do not see the need for any intervention from anybody. The Company has no dispute with its recognised union and the GWU have nobody but themselves to blame for the situation. The Company must protect its interests and did the right thing in holding the GWU responsible for damages.

The GWU must pay and withdraw - with egg on their face.

J Martinelli

Apr 11th 2009, 14:56

PL wants the President to intervene in a Union issue? What next?

Mr. President, do not fall into a precedent setting trap, by your own former political party!

Mario P Ellul

Apr 11th 2009, 14:38

PL & GWU are now in need of HE Dr Abela! Some months ago they discarded him, and now ??!!!!

Randolph Peresso

Apr 11th 2009, 14:36

Is the President or the Government supreme to the Law Courts?!!! Should they intervene on decisions taken by the law courts?

Lawrence Attard

Apr 11th 2009, 14:24

The union should have thought what actions could be taken against it before ordering what is seen to be illegal strike action. Who do they think they are, gone are the days when the GWU can hold the country at ransom. Grow up and govern yourselves accordingly.

carmelo briffa

Apr 11th 2009, 14:08

I am sorry to say this why the president should interfere in a situation when it hits only GWU inside interest. I do not put any blame on Dr. Abela for his request because the general workers union have always worked only infavour of the Labour Party.....GWU made a mistake and now it is time for them to proof it in the Court of justice......And the President should not start his job by trying to get involved between the Freeport management and the GWU. If he does then Gonzi have made another big BOO_BOO

s schembri

Apr 11th 2009, 14:06

The PL and the GWU must have had the same maths teacher. They both fail to understand the if you get less votes you cannot be the one entrusted with authority.

GaleaL

Apr 11th 2009, 13:59

Michael Vella
THIS is a dark day for Malta and for Industrial Relations.
This is the same as the Law that only remained a Bill due to the mass opposition against it that was presented by Dr Censu Tabone, ex-President of the Republic at the time a Minister, that would have sent workers and trade unionists and also employers organizations and their officials to prison if they resorted to industrial action.
This is what was going to happen 40 years ago under the PN administration and this is what is happening again now under another PN administration.
This is the industrial democracy that the PN believes in.

Emmanuel Scicluna

Apr 11th 2009, 13:59

In similar cases all unions must defend themselves because if they don't and lose, they would not be able to defend their members. If Freeport gets its way today then other entities will surely follow suite. MIA will nail UHM to the wall, Airmalta will sweep away ALPA and UCC. And tomorrow the same Freeport will dispense of the same MDU. Government then will have a good precedent to eradicat MUT, MAM, MUMN, etc. Incidents similar to this, which happened in the past, and which should not have happened, neither do they justify what is happening today nor should serve as an excuse and keep watching as a bystander.The life of the union movement is at stake today.

If we are to accept the logic of the Director of Labour and hence that of the government, with the same reasoning tomorrow we may wake up and find ourselves voting in a general election where voting booths are done away with and everybody has to declare his voting preferences to AEC's in whom the electoral commissioner has his full trust and confidence.

M. Catania

Apr 11th 2009, 13:58

1998 Budget measures. UHM orders industrial action at Freeport. Freeport management takes court action. Who voiced solidarity with UHM in that particular action?

Joseph Borg

Apr 11th 2009, 13:47

Bring back D Mintof. During his time no partial or sympathy strikes either you go for an all out strike of be locked out. Any minute statement which could create minute instability would be taken as if you are an enemy of the people. I am sure that the GWU remembers all this.

Joseph Cauchi

Apr 11th 2009, 13:42

L-ewwel naxquha u ‘mbghad jirridu insewwuha!

../..

T Mifsud

Apr 11th 2009, 13:39

The President has nothing to do with such issues, at least Dr George Abela made it amply clear. By the PL moving to try involving the President for a Baptism of Fire is only exposing lack of respect to the President when he himself asked not to be involved in controversial issues. He is a uniter and does not take sides. Get it PL?

Christopher Formosa

Apr 11th 2009, 13:38

Well said !!! Anyone wanna bet that for every little thing that happens, the PL is going to call on the President to intervene? And why criticize the goverment? Whats it supposed to do? Tell the workers to shut up and side with the GWU?

Joseph Caruana

Apr 11th 2009, 13:37

Malta Labour Party defending The GWU .. the old love ties are still.
And asking the President intervene .. isn't that against protocol?? Who the labour doesn't know to play the the rules..

Joseph Agius

Apr 11th 2009, 13:28

PL never changes. Was this the earthquake? nothing has been so the same as it is now!! What a pity!

Jane Bartolo

Apr 11th 2009, 13:11

se nibdew... diga qed titlalkom ghal raskom li hemm president xellugi?

M.Gauci

Apr 11th 2009, 13:09

I don't remember Dr. Toni Abela speaking up against the garnishee order against the UHM some years ago. Not even the the GWU had said anything at that time. Isn't this ironic ? (In favour of other not so nice adjectives)

daryl ebejer

Apr 11th 2009, 13:05

so a vote was cast to determine who the voters want to represent them..... the G.W.U. won this vote but Freeport has decided to act like a petulant child! is'nt it the union and the workers' right to protest and take industrial actions? I can't understand why the court ordered the freezing of the union's assets

Joseph Vella

Apr 11th 2009, 13:04

The president is not any more the lawyer of any union. Toni Abela should tell his boss to tell the GWU to stop this useless strike

J Farrugia

Apr 11th 2009, 12:52

NO labour never changes. It's crave for power is much bigger than its senses.

Mario Tabone-Vassallo

Apr 11th 2009, 12:51

Ma nibdewx indahhlu publikament lill-ET il-President f'basal li jista' jkollhom sfumaturi politici

J Farrugia

Apr 11th 2009, 12:51

Does Toni Abela know that the President was heavily involved in the setting up of the MDU? So the President being primus inter pares should not interfere with this industrial dispute. It's the GWU's making and no one must interefere with the law thaking its course. The GWU nailed its coffin itself. So be it.

J Oatmon

Apr 11th 2009, 12:42

The vast majority of the dock workers have decided they prefer the MDU to represent them. Only a tiny minority have obeyed the GWU directive to strike.
The vast majority have no problems continuing to work, so the majority verdict is there is no dispute. This is the democratic way, the minority does not dictate to the majority, it falls in line or goes elsewhere.

For a political party to publicly try to subvert a democratic process for purely political reasons is just not acceptable in this millennium.

Malta like it or not is now in the year 2009 - it is not the 1930's, where workers we kept in the dark about what was happening.

Franco Farrugia

Apr 11th 2009, 12:40

What does the PL have to do with the GWU (any longer)? Let the GWU fights its own fights without the need for the PL to continue protecting this Union.

Why did the GWU order industrial actions when it knew that its recognition was in question?

John Caruana

Apr 11th 2009, 12:39

I hope that GWU learns from this and remembers that everything the union does shall be done in a legal manner! PL should stand back from this dispute and leave it up to court and the maltese laws. If PL is really talking in favor of employees, then it should condamn the actions by GWU as these could have had devistating consequences for the freeport workers and for the local economy.

Dr Francis Saliba

Apr 11th 2009, 12:38

If my memory serves me right the GWU did not feature prominently in heeding our President's advice - not even when he was its legal adviser!

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 11th 2009, 12:33

Michael Vella..Culd you enlighten us as to how you reached your conclusions regarding this matter,?(putting aside your obvious anti/union, anti PL glasses of course)

Why do you state that the is Union protecting itself when it is the Port workers who asked for GWU representation?

Who chooses Union representation in Malta? Employer or Employee?
(Strangely in this case it seems that there is a very very thin dividing line between the employer and a certain union)

Have you talked to any Port workers?

Have you even been following this saga?

If yes, do you agree with a face to face interview to determine union recognition, rather than a secret ballot?

It is sad to see people like you blurting out statements without showing anyone that you really know what you're talking about!

J Busuttil

Apr 11th 2009, 12:32

PL leave the President alone because there are other bodies involved in this case like the Director of Labour and now the COURT. The GWU must fight the garnishee order in the COURT.Dr Abela is a legal person by profesion and I ask him if the Court order is illegal. Or he might ask the GWU to admit that it LOST and stop it's obstructionism. Full stop. May I remind Dr Abela that during the 1996-1998 the UHM was taken to court for damages and in those days the Freeport was in total Govt hands. The UHM won the case and if that union had lost the court case it would have been disbanded. And I also wish to remind him to go back and see what the GWU paper L-Orizzont said about the UHM"s case.

Herbert Guillaumier

Apr 11th 2009, 12:27

And what happens if the President does not intervene? I was of the impression that the darkest day in the history of Malta was when thugs attacked the Archbishop's Curia!

Michael Vella

Apr 11th 2009, 12:17

In this case the only thing the union wants is to protect itself. I am honestly surprised that someone with your rank in the PL would start rambling on about how this was a dark day for Malta. Why should i be effected by the irresponsible actions of a union acting out of self-interest? And i thought the PL was a changing party, how stupid could i have been. I would rather burn my vote than give it to the sorry excuse we have for political parties in Malta!!