Thirteen years after taking on the roles of president and general secretary of one of Malta’s largest trade unions, Gejtu Tanti and Gejtu Vella yesterday announced they will step down together in October.
The two men, whose names have become synonymous with the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin, feel they have spent enough time at the helm of the union and the time has come for them to move on and make way for new blood.
They will retain their posts until the next general conference scheduled for October 20 when a new team will be elected as they do not intend to contest.
“We are confident that there are people within the union who can do a great job. We built on the work of those before us and they will build on ours,” Mr Tanti said.
Mr Vella agreed saying: “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”.
The two men were elected to their post 13 years ago, in May 1998.
Mr Tanti joined the union in February 1976 and, throughout his career, served as secretary of the general service section and assistant general secretary.
Mr Vella joined the UĦM in March 1982. He was elected on the executive committee of the private sector section and secretary of the hotels, restaurants, food and beverages section and also served as assistant general secretary.
Together they negotiated several collective agreements and sat through countless heated meetings with employers and government representatives. About a year ago, they confessed, they started talking about stepping down from their posts.
Throughout these intense years “the two Gejtus” developed a strong working relationship and became close friends.
“I can’t say he’s my second wife because he’s a man,” Mr Tanti joked, adding: “We spent various stressful, sleepless nights together planning negotiations. We laughed together. We truly worked in tandem... We’re friends and are sure to remain in touch.”
So what will their future hold?
Mr Vella, 51, plans to take some time for himself for now and Mr Tanti, 53, will probably return to the public service. Both cringed at the mere thought of starting a political career.
They are glad they will now have time for themselves and their families. “Trade unionism is a Monday to Sunday job, 365 days a year. It’s very demanding but also rewarding. It’s great to help people,” Mr Vella said.
Agreeing with him fully, Mr Tanti added: “It’s very demanding and your family suffers. But there is an immense satisfaction in helping people come out of negative situations.”
They met members of the union’s council on Thursday to discuss their decision that was announced during a press conference yesterday.
Vice president Joseph Vella, who joined the UĦM in 1970, will also be stepping down in October as he reached retirement age.