Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday called for an end to bickering between the two main unions, urging them to work together.

It is time for the General Workers’ Union and the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin to turn over a new leaf, Dr Muscat said while addressing the GWU’s national conference that happens every two years.

“You cannot remain slaves of the past and continue arguing about issues such as union recognition,” Dr Muscat said.

The conference marked the start of Josef Bugeja’s term as general secretary, replacing veteran unionist Tony Zarb, who bade delegates an emotional farewell.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat encouraged the GWU and UĦM to turn over a new leaf. Photo: Steve Zammit Lupi

Dr Muscat, who was loudly cheered as he went on stage, called on the GWU to enter into a discussion about setting up a structure for industrial relations.

His comments came after Opposition leader Simon Busuttil joked that, unlike Dr Muscat, he was “playing away”.

Still, his priorities were no different from the union’s values, Dr Busuttil told the union’s delegates. Like the GWU, he believed in the fair distribution of wealth. Referring to the rate of increase of wages and the number of people at risk of poverty, he insisted these were issues that they could discuss and agree on.

“I am willing to cooperate with the GWU and other unions so that we can overcome such challenges together.” Dr Muscat and Dr Busuttil’s speeches came ahead of Mr Bugeja’s confirmation as the new general secretary.

Everyone has a right to join a union and negotiate their work conditions

In his first speech, an emotional Mr Bugeja called on union representatives to go forth and recruit new members.

“We need to convince the 50 per cent of Maltese employees who are not members of any trade union… Everyone has a right to join a union and negotiate their work conditions,” he said, adding better conditions increase productivity and efficiency.

Earlier, Mr Zarb, who held the role for a record 16 years, urged the new leadership to be wary of those who had always wanted to destroy the GWU, to be proud of the past and renew the union in line with the changing times.

Mr Zarb warned his successor that without the GWU, Maltese and Gozitan workers would be orphaned.

“We managed to survive under a hostile government. I was attacked and was told I had a militant attitude. To those who insulted me I tell them: you honoured me whenever you insulted me,” he said.

Mr Zarb, however, noted that he could not forgive those who attacked his family, especially anonymous people who sent letters to his mother, telling her they would kill her son.

At the end of the conference, with tears in their eyes, Mr Bugeja and Mr Zarb embraced as the baton was passed on to the new generation.