The UĦM is working on a social initiative: 2015 - People's Social Vision. Throughout the passage of time, people always had to work hard to earn their daily living. Without a shadow of doubt, we will have to continue doing so today and in the future.
Aspiring for a better tomorrow has always been a wish in the mind-set of people, at times hidden among other more pressing daily needs. Over the years, national political leaders, with the exception of some serious shortcomings on the past of those holding office, have always inspired vision among people. This was achieved through good leadership skills. Whether radical, liberal, democrat, socialist, conservative or whatever, people always fought their small battles on the ground as foot soldiers in the strong conviction that tomorrow will be better for all.
A handful of brains plotted the road ahead while huge numbers of people were engaged as an army of foot soldiers. People's imagination was engaged in future visions and enthusiasm reigned among the crowds for a better tomorrow.
Political leaders brought along and rubbed vigorously the crystal ball on the rectangular solid mahogany table at the large office of the Prime Minister. Prime Ministers, together with their advisors, had to ponder and look deep to find ways to capture the people's imagination for the future. In most cases, the strategy employed by the best brains in Malta, worked and the people's imagination was captured as an enthused country moved from one stepping stone to the other. The plot was pencilled and people followed the natural course of events.
The way forward was achieved through the hard work and sacrifices mainly by workers. People were always led to believe that tomorrow will be another beautiful day with new opportunities and fair chances for all the hard-working.
National events, some more than others, fulfilled the aspirations of the people. The people felt proud to have witnessed important national events taking place. Some had the opportunity to be part of more than one national event.
Malta's Independence in 1964 was an objective seen by some as a high risk. We survived and tourism and manufacturing in rudimental forms started to sprout.
A decade later, Malta became a Republic. Sir Anthony Mamo was appointed the first President of Malta. He earned respect and was held in high esteem.
Subsequently, the remaining British forces left the islands on the last day of March 1979. Locals waved handkerchiefs from the bastions around the Grand Harbour, some with tears of joy others grief.
In 2004, Malta joined the European Union after a referendum. Incidentally, both major political parties claimed victory. Malta became the smallest state within the EU.
These national events captured the imagination of most people. They worked hard to achieve these milestones in the recent history of this small nation. Today, the people look back and most recall their commitment with pride in connection with one or more of these national events.
Once Malta joined the EU, the political thrill in the national arena fizzled out. The Gonzi Administration had to look for an objective to engage the people's imagination for the future. With enthusiasm, the Gonzi Administration gave birth to Vision 2015, an initiative set to light a fire in the hearts of the people. The intention is to reach higher targets and excel in various sectors of the economy by 2015.
From the initial stages, it was set to encourage entrepreneurs and other business people to take new initiatives and invest in the economy. On reflection and after long discussions within a small group of my colleagues, it is felt that the people are not at the very heart of Vision 2015 initiated by the government. The economy is.
The UĦM will not cross swords with the government on this initiative. On the other hand, let it be known that we are seriously concerned about whether the positive economic results are distributed fairly among members of our society. Over the past 24 months, the government sidelined people's social interests for the benefit of the economy. Today, our challenge is to ensure a fair society for all.
With this in mind, we at the UĦM have identified the six most sensitive social issues and will attempt to promote ways in which they can be addressed by 2015. These are: 1) electronic revolution; 2) health; 3) the family; 4) education; 5) better quality of life for all and 6) institutional and democratic structures. These issues will now be zoomed in and studied by six different focus groups.
The purpose of the initiative launched by UĦM is to prepare the way and set an agenda for the union to follow in the coming years. This exercise coincides with the initial preparations for the UĦM's general conference due next year.
The union must focus on the people's aspirations rather than the restlessness and the uneasiness of many, resulting from various shortcomings by the present Administration. The UĦM will not be conducting an exercise in customer care but will be promoting 2015 - People's Social Vision after due consultation with different people in society. This will also help the union in a major challenge to redefine the role of trade unionism. In this respect, the UĦM will be defining, designing and setting socially-just objectives for society by 2015.
In the coming months, the UĦM will be at the forefront, leading workers and their dependants to fight for a socially just society. Today, our aim is to influence national policy makers with the 2015 - People's Social Vision. The economy may be important but not more important than people's needs. At the UĦM, we have people at heart, while solidarity and justice are two values we treasure and uphold when dealing with people on a daily basis.
If Vision 2015 launched by the government is to earn popular support, then 2015 - People's Social Vision by then UĦM is a proposal for a fair and just society. The smell of cheap perfume, partying and broken promises by the government will not entice people to move towards Vision 2015.
The author is secretary general of the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin.
gvella@uhm.org.mt