Michael Camilleri, president, Żminijietna – Voice of the Left, Sliema
Unions not being shown enough respect
The anti-democratic behaviour shown by the Malta Employers’ Association in respect of Forum is of great concern. The same can be said for the private company Palumbo Spa in respect of the General Workers’ Union. The two entities do not understand, or refuse to admit, the importance that unions have in society to enhance the concept of industrial democracy.
The attitude shown by MEA in obstructing Forum from joining the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development runs contrary to the democratic principle of more participation and consultation. It would make more sense if the MEA tried to persuade Palumbo Spa to respect the workers’ decision to be represented by a union. Żminijietna – Voice of the Left calls on the government, which is responsible for industrial relations, to intervene in both cases.
The government needs to legislate to include Forum as a social partner in the MCESD and to intervene to safeguard the rights of workers to join a trade union.
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Mr Joseph Calleja
Aug 22nd 2011, 15:55
"Unions not being shown enough respect". Mr Camilleri respect is something you work hard for and earn. Where do you get off asking the government to intervene in your affairs? You want the government to do the dirty work for you as a union? Get a life.
Stefan Zammit
Aug 22nd 2011, 12:39
Unions are important in society, why don't you ask the British Leyland?
Narcy Calamatta
Aug 22nd 2011, 10:56
FORUM is an absolute necessity for MCSD. I had served on the CMTU Council for some time and I could not help notice that small unions representing members of the professions could not be part of a confederation dominated by a union of general workers like UHM. It was a wise and timely decision to create FORUM whose members are either in the professions or in the vocational workers sector. The government would do well to hold them close and be able to tap their extensive industrial relations knowledge, so usefull in the decision making process.
Mr Peter Murray
Aug 22nd 2011, 09:50
Unions wont be given automatic respect by any company ,employer or government and that this has to be earned and in most cases demanded in no uncertain terms.As unions represent the workers yet are seen mostly as a benign insignificance, but still a perceived theat to totalitarian employers, and a restricting factor in imposing unilateral criteria on workers.