Division instead of unity on Workers' Day, President notes

Workers' Day should symbolise unity but President George Abela was saddened that for years it epitomised division among those involved in the employment sector.

Without synergy between owners and workers production would suffer and the economic benefits, which could be shared, would not be reaped, he said.

Addressing union representatives during a reception on the eve of Workers' Day, Dr Abela felt it was strange that May 1 also evoked division between trade unions that defended workers' rights. "I admit I look upon these forms of division with the biggest irony. This sentiment is the opposite of what Workers' Day should symbolise," he said.

He called on all union representatives to celebrate a Day of Unity, harmony between the material and spiritual objectives that complemented each other.

Dr Abela spoke about the achievements of workers' rights to a decent salary, benefits and the collective agreements unions had fought so hard to obtain. This did not mean the situation was one of bliss.

He referred to thousands of women, mostly mothers, who had not managed to find the means to strike a balance between work and family life, several others who lost their job, exploited employees or those who were injured or died on their place of work.

"My hope and wish is that, in these difficult moments of global crisis, let us embrace a common desire to build a new culture of solidarity and responsible participation," he urged.