The GWU has recently launched its new corporate identity. This is important news because of the message it conveys: the union is keen to renew itself, to keep up with changing times and adapt to the emerging needs of its members and Maltese society.

This will require more than just a change of logo and a revamped website. It entails a change in mind-set, vision and tactics. It needs to adopt a cooperative attitude and rely less on confrontation. The GWU has to find answers for a number of key questions. Who is a worker? Where should it draw the line between championing the interests of its members, the working classes and society as a whole? What should be its role in the emerging globalised scenarios?

These questions, of course, are not particular to the GWU. They apply to the trade union movement in Malta and overseas. So do trade unions have a future? Or are they dinosaurs on the verge of extinction?

The GWU fought many battles on behalf of workers as our country emerged from the ashes of World War II and marched towards political independence and industrialisation. Now Malta is an EU member and our economy is service-oriented. Over its 66-year history, the GWU has evolved from a bulwark of blue-collar workers to an agent for better worker remuneration and improved conditions of employment. The GWU remains a pillar of our society and has broadened its mission to include the promotion of a higher standard of living for its members and their families.

In advanced societies, trade unions, like many other institutions, had problems to adjust to fast-change. They had their fair share of internal conflicts and contradictions. At times, they found themselves defending the expectations of their grassroots which were out of sync with changed realities. Their tactics became fossilised and crude for the liking of post-modern societies. This, coupled with a wave of neo-liberalism and increased individualism, led to a weakening of union power, at both the national and the institutional level.

Today, only 26.3 per cent of all EU workers are unionised, while in Malta the figure is close to 45 per cent. Locally, many employers have realised that union officials can be important allies in pushing change at the place of work. In an increasingly competitive world, the interests of employers and employees converge, even though they remain distinct.

Going back to the GWU, the change process has to start from within itself. This is no easy task and requires forward-looking leadership at the very top. It also necessitates leadership at the workplace itself. The future of a trade union ultimately depends on its perceived effectiveness by its members.

This calls for open and constant communications, education of the grassroots and dedicated shop stewards who uphold the union's principles and values.

The GWU needs to be seen as a constructive force, participating fully in the social dialogue. In difficult economic times no government can implement its socio-economic agenda on its own and needs the support of the social partners. The GWU would do well to continue fighting inequality and poverty as these are a potential threat to its members and our society. Many Maltese workers have no choice but to accept contract or part-time work for less pay and inferior working conditions. The same applies to "illegal" immigrants. Probably none of these employees are unionised but the GWU should not ignore their plight. The gradual erosion of working conditions will, sooner or later, impinge on those enjoyed by the union members themselves.

The GWU should also do its utmost to continue encouraging the further education and training of its members and their families, especially in helping alleviate the "skills gap". There exists also an urgent need to update local industrial legislation. As the largest trade union in our country, the GWU should continue striving for the creation of a trade union congress that will give additional strength to the workers' movement.

Trade unions have to constantly keep in mind that no one owes us Maltese a living. Economies can move forward as much as they can fall backwards. The fate of our working class is fully dependent on how well our enterprises and the economy are doing. As a micro, open economy we cannot afford to lose our competitiveness. It does not make sense to continue taking decisions on a piecemeal basis. This is why it was so important to have a social pact that would guarantee an element of stability while ensuring that the burdens are shared equitably. As things stand, we are all living dangerously.

Trade unions should actively support the changes that are necessary for the prosperity of our society. It is unrealistic to expect that such cooperation will be provided blindly. Trade unions are duty bound to safeguard the interests of their members and the working class. In launching its new corporate identity the GWU has sent out a clear message. Let us hope that all the other social partners will do likewise.