John Portelli, General manager, Roma Cruise Terminal, writes:
Joe Saliba, who passed away suddenly last Wednesday, was a man with a mission which he pursued assiduously – that of leading the port workers into the 21st century. That he died at the relatively young age of 55, has robbed the port community and the port workers in Malta of a voice of moderation and innovation. My wish is that all those who thwarted his efforts, maybe out of misunderstanding, will in future rue the missed opportunities and set right what they stopped in Joe’s lifetime.
Joe Saliba's legacy is the Malta Dockers Union, which he set up with fellow travellers not only to better represent port workers but also to invest in the development of port workers so that his fellow workers could also effectively contribute and participate in the reform and growth of the port sector in Malta, which started in the late 1980s with the rise of Marsaxlokk (read Malta Freeport).
The growth of Malta Freeport into one of the premier container hubs, in essence Marin Hili’s vision, was only possible through a modern style of port management and operations away from the archaic cargo handling practices which existed then in Valletta and Marsa. Joe Saliba, although becoming involved in late 1990s, not only embraced this new style as his own but also set out to convince his fellow workers of the need to change.
His own vision of management-worker relations was one based on discussion rather than confrontation and of finding a balance between workers’ rights and their obligations. His task was not made easy, given that these were challenging times with the port sector in Malta going through a wholescale transformation with the privatisation of Malta Freeport and that of other companies operating in the port, as well as the sale of the cargo handling concession in the port of Valletta, the liberalisation of the port worker’s licence in Malta and in Europe and the move to liberalise port services.
Yet, despite all this, Joe Saliba moved on. His first goal, that of seeking out a stronger representative for his fellow workers, led to the setting up of the Malta Dockers’ Union. He then proceeded with introducing training programmes for port workers as well as potential port workers.
Thirdly, he introduced measures that led to incrementing the revenue of port workers. His approach, in particular to the third measure, was innovative for Malta at that time. His successes and union management style earned him the respect of all those who knew him, whether on a professional or personal level.
One hopes that the new representatives of the port workers recognise Joe Saliba’s legacy by following his style of union management and representation. This would be the minimum to expect for what Joe Saliba created for port workers in Malta.
Joe Saliba leaves to mourn his loss his wife Tanya, who always stood by him and was his rock, and his son Eric. To them our most sincere condolences for the loss of a loving husband and exemplary father.