Need for new attitudes in trade unionism

A change in the leadership of the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin this month could possibly lead to new times for trade unionism if it is followed by a parallel move at the General Workers’ Union. This is not meant to downplay the work of UĦM officials, Gejtu Tanti and Gejtu Vella, president and general secretary respectively, who will be stepping down. To their credit, their contribution to the growth of the union over the years they have been at its helm is far too great to be treated lightly or not to be fully acknowledged. A tribute to them for the work they have done at the UĦM will, no doubt, be paid, quite justifiably, when the union’s general conference meets to elect new officials.

However, in the keen situation that has evolved in trade unionism over the years, the strong rivalry that has developed between the largest trade unions, the GWU and the UĦM, has at times prevented them from seeing the wider picture or, if they have, they did not have enough courage to face the challenge and work for greater harmony. Quite often, this has worked against the workers’ interests.

This is what this newspaper said earlier this year: “It would seem very difficult, if not practically impossible, for the trade unions in Malta to establish sound relations among themselves, much less create a trades union council, unless there is a wholesale change in the leadership of the main trade unions. And even this is not a guarantee that matters will be plain sailing after that, for the truth of the matter is that the attitude of a string of trade unions towards each other has hardened far too much to expect any miracles in this direction. But a change in leadership could at least help lay the ground for a new beginning.”

While a change in the leadership of the largest trade unions might not guarantee any meaningful change in attitudes, it could very well help set the right atmosphere for a fresh start in relations among them. A step in the right direction was taken last month when representatives of the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions, the GWU and Forum held what they called as a preliminary meeting to discuss “future relations”. Hopefully, this new attempt at establishing closer collaboration will lead to concrete results.

The two UĦM officials deserve credit not only for the work they have done but also for realising that the time has come for them to move on and make way for new blood. Mr Vella put it thus: “It’s important that whoever is in the driving seat of any organisation realises when it’s time to move on. It’s time for a new team. It’s time for new energy.” This is a lesson in leadership that ought to filter down to a wider spectrum of society. Unfortunately, it is not always followed, as examples in public life have shown. Had they been alive today, UĦM founders Salvino Spiteri and Maurice Agius would have been proud of the two officials for the way they carried on their work.

The GWU too cries out for a change at the top. As is the case in politics, trade unionism needs to catch up with new trends. With unions competing for membership, it is not easy to eliminate excessive rivalry and confrontation but knocking down walls of resistance could help promote new attitudes that may eventually even lead to the setting up of a trades union council.