Speaking on the occasion of the union’s 39th anniversary, UHM president Gejtu Tanti said that since it was set up in 1966, the UHM was always at the forefront of discussions, both when dealing with improving the financial situation and working conditions of thousands of workers, as well as in discussions which aim to find a solution to the problems the country was facing.

To this effect, he said, the UHM is the motor behind the discussions which would eventually lead to the establishment of a social pact for Malta; a social pact in the form of an agreement between unions, employers and the government.

This is crucial for the country to improve its economy, to increase the employment by creating jobs and to continue improving the citizens’ standard of living.

“Despite spokes in our wheels, the UHM is determined to ensure that this opportunity to finally reach an agreement on a social pact for the country is not lost. Work is not created by blabbering away but with concrete measures to make Malta competitive,” Mr Tanti said.

He said the UHM has long been insisting that a solution had to be found on the problem of tax evasion and the abuse of social services adding that it was not scared to speak about these problems and is committed to ensure that tax is not evaded and everyone gets what he is due.

Mr Tanti promised that the union will continue its work to ensure that the rights of the workers are respected at all times and that social justice is really attained.

As part of activities to mark the anniversary, Mr Tanti led a union delegation, which included secretary-general Gejtu Vella, to lay wreaths at the foot of the monument dedicated to Salvinu Spiteri in Hamrun. Mr Spiteri was the founder of the union.