The Union Haddiema Maghqudin yesterday kicked off its annual summer activity programme – UHM Sajf.

At a press conference held at Ta’ Fra Ben yesterday, union secretary general Gejtu Vella said that this was ninth time that the event was being organised. He said it was a priceless opportunity for the union to speak with its members and their families about their hopes, fears and aspirations related to everyday life.

He said that the union took it as an opportunity to listen and get a feel of what families are dealing with in everyday life. Mr Vella said the union also used the weekend of activities, held at the traditional venue of Ta’ Fra Ben, as a platform to put their ideas forward to working families. “It allows us to speak to people in an informal manner and gauge the true state of affairs in the country,” said Mr Vella.

He said that the union wanted to sound out its positions on the issues of climate change, inflation, international oil and food prices, the surcharge and general price increases. “Climate change is a big issue on our agenda this year and we will be calling an extraordinary general conference to adopt a position on the matter,” he said.

Mr Vella said the events also served to help the union in drafting its proposals for the upcoming budget for 2009.