The FOR.U.M group of trade unions has been accepted as a member of the European Trades Union Council (ETUC).

The group represents 11 Maltese trade unions with 12,000 members. John Bencini, its president, was invited to become an observer today and the group will assume voting rights as from October.

The GWU and the CMTU are also members.

FOR.U.M said this was a major achievement for its members, giving the group the international status it deserves.

The CMTU had reportedly been objecting to the FOR.U.M membership and had requested a roll call.

However John Monks, the Secretary General of the ETUC held a meeting with the representatives of the GWU and the CMTU before today's meeting and agreement was reached on the FOR.U.M membership.

Mr Monks also praised Prof Edward Zammit, who is mediating in an effort to bring greater trade union unity in Malta.

He said such talks should continue between all three trade union blocs.

Mr Bencini in comments to timesofmalta.com said these talks were very important for Maltese workers. It was important that the trade unions had their  identity and autonomy, but that they stepped on the brakes when it came to criticising each other, because the workers had to have a united front, he said.

The GWU in a statement said it welcomed the decision. It said it was all for unity and common ground among all three trade union groups in Malta in the interests of the workers.

In a statement this evening, CMTU said through its practical approach and Prof. Zammit’s mediation efforts, it agreed to Mr Monk’s following recommendation that the:

• FORUM is given observer status
• A six month ‘Cooling off’ period during which the ETUC will make its own assessment on  the trade union movement in Malta
• New ETUC General Secretary to assess state of affairs during the October 2011 Executive meeting before confirming any membership and has prerogative to propose different recommendation.

 It said that contrary to media reports, no vote or roll call was taken to reach agreement.