During this month many people take a break from their daily jam-packed commitments during the other months of the year. The options for unwinding take different forms. Nonetheless, grilled different cuts of beef and baked fresh Mediterranean fish are some of the specialities one would find in open air restaurants. Fresh locally produced vegetables also make appetising dishes while locally produced chilled white wine makes a casual dinner with family members and friends a special evening.
Unfortunately, it may be different for most of the leading social partners. From what is being reported in the media they are heading for some hot summer days. With hot summer weather temperatures rising MAM, MUMN, MUT and UMASA officials are getting hot under the collar. They are engaged in a trade dispute about union recognition at the University of Malta. MUMN, perceived as a trigger happy union accused MAM of hypocrisy. Last week MAM gave notice for one-hour strike set for today to all doctors across the health service. Doctors will not issue sickness medical certificates today either.
Union recognition has always been a bone of contention and fuelled conflict between unions and a source of industrial disputes as the aggrieved union resort to industrial action to prove a point.
Trade union recognition is not regulated by The Employment and Industrial Relations Act 2002 or any other legislative tool. It is the practice that has established guiding lines about union recognition. The Industrial Relations Tribunal decisions on the subject have set practice and norms.
Taking into account a number of decisions by the Industrial Tribunal about union recognition MAM’s claim is not to be taken lightly. If MAM can prove it has the necessary head count or alternatively prove that they represent a distinct class of members MAM may well have a solid case.
Similarly, around six weeks ago the leading general unions were engaged in a dispute over trade union recognition in the public transport. Both unions claimed they enjoyed union recognition. The aggrieved union resorted to industrial action. The issue is still in abeyance.
In conducting healthy industrial relations union recognition is a grey area. On this issue, the Malta Employers’ Association has on various occasions called for a clear definition and made suggestions for a legislative frame. At times, employers are caught between trade unions claiming sole-recognition for the same members.
The Department of Employment and Industrial Relations has limited effective tools at his disposal in defining union recognition and to make matters worse the adopted practice by the DIER has found strong objections from some of the unions.
Last week’s outburst from the officials of the trade unions involved in the recognition dispute at the University demonstrate that before unions can work together they have to let go of their turf. Whether that would be in the best interests of the workers, they represent I have my doubts.
This brings me to the initiative that President of Malta Marie-Louise ColeiroPreca took a couple of weeks ago aimed to foster unity amongst the trade unions. The setting up of The National Trade Union Forum described at the launch as a historical moment has to deal with deep seated differences before trade unions collaboration will come to fruition.
Trade unions unity becomes more doubtful by the fact that the PL electoral manifesto clearly states that Government’s intention is to help unions’ set-up an independent Trade Union Council. The PL proposal is a camouflaged attempt to clip the wings of unions. In reality a proposal which presents itself as a threat to industrial democracy.
As if this was not enough last Thursday the leader of the Times of Malta took up the Chamber of Commerce bold statements about the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development. The Chamber of Commerce referred to the MCESD as “rudderless, irrelevant and inconsequential national institution.” Similar statements were made by a former Minster in the previous legislature. He was lambasted for his comments. Strangely enough, this time the Chamber of Commerce did not receive the same reaction. It looks like they are correct in their judgement.
These comments must be the result of a number of serious issues which have been left unattended at the MCESD. The Chamber of Commerce last week’s out-burst is not in line with their profile and speaks volumes.
It is ironic that on the same day The Business Observer carried out an extensive interview with MCESD Chairman Mr John Bencini. The interview touched upon many issues, but Mr. Bencini failed to refer to the hard-hitting comments expressed by the Chamber of Commerce. It is apparent that the MCESD’s meetings are neither meaningful nor productive.
In the development of the economic challenges and social issues our small state faces the MCESD has a significant role to play. In the past under the stewardship of different Chairmen the MCESD produced significant results. It would be a shame if the concerns expressed by The Chamber of Commerce are not addressed. It would be a great loss if the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development is left to become a meaningless, rudderless and ineffective institution.
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