How the teachers' union left the CMTU

I refer to the article headed MCESD No Forum For Separatists (June 21). The director general of the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, Vince Farrugia, is reported as having asserted that "...the MUT and other unions involved in the FOR.UM used to form part of the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions and, therefore, had a seat on MCESD but chose to give it up in a 'hasty decision'".

The Malta Union of Teachers reiterates that this is far removed from the truth. The union had been experiencing difficulties within the confederation for decades. This may be evidenced from the union's history book Inside MUT 1919 - 2009, written by George Cassar.

In fact, during the past 15 years or so, the MUT suspended its affiliation on more than one occasion.

The position of the MUT within the CMTU became completely untenable towards the latter end of 2008 due to serious disagreement on the confederation's modus operandi.

The MUT council terminated its affiliation with the CMTU at the end of December 2008. The decision was taken by an unanimous secret vote.

The position of the MUT was clearly explained in a press statement issued at the time.