Not so long ago, under a Nationalist administration, trade unions were very active in showing their disagreement each time something that negatively affected their members came up. Spearheaded by the General Workers Union, traditionally close to the Labour Party, unions were in the forefront in creating industrial unrest each time they had the possibility when the PN was in power.

The Forum Unions Maltin, with the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses and the Malta Union of Teachers as its most prominent members, often joined the GWU in public protests. And it was not only about their particular interests, such us the problems at Mater Dei Hospital and in the education sector.

There were several times when unions expressed their disdain on issues that went beyond their sectional situations, such as electricity tariffs, fuel prices and public transport.

But there is now absolute silence on the part of the unions on situations that are having a negative impact on workers and their families.

There are no protests against, for example, the fact that while the price of oil on the international market has fallen to its lowest levels in 12 years – and is now one quarter of what it used to be four or five years ago – petrol and diesel in Malta remain among the most expensive in Europe. While consumers in other nations are benefiting from reduced prices, here in Malta we are paying much more than we should for fuel. The meagre reductions that came into force at the start of the year in no way reflect the hefty drop in the international price.

But the unions have remained silent on this, just as much as they have remained silent on energy tariffs. Employers, including the Chamber of Commerce, have called upon the government to continue lowering the price of energy, given the international situation. Their request was immediately turned down by the Prime Minister, and yet no union came up with a position similar to the one taken up by the chamber, which was after all looking at the interests of its members.

It’s as if the unions do not mind that workers and their families are paying for energy much more than they should. The unions made such a fuss under a Nationalist administration when electricity tariffs were high at a time when oil cost more than €100 per barrel, but now that the price is down to below €30 they are not saying anything.

The unions have also lost their voice when it comes to public transport. We all remember the noise they made because of the problems faced by Arriva. But the situation has gone from bad to worse with Malta Public Transport, more so since the new routes were introduced in December, which have increased waiting time and has led to longer journeys. This is especially so for people wanting to get to university and Mater Dei Hospital.

The unions’ silence on these issues shows their complicity with the government and goes directly against the interests of their members.