So, it’s Santa Marija weekend, the whole country is on go-slow and only a handful of people are still in cruising mode.

The so called handful of people are those in the catering, hotel and airline business, who are at the their busiest. The other handful are the newspapers, a few involved in government, the General Workers’ Union, the mini-bus cooperative and the Public Transport Association.

Malta always goes to sleep at this time of the year, our very own version of the Italian Ferro Agosto. This year, Archbishop Joseph Mercieca said that it was very positive, especially for young children, to enjoy this time of year, a time of peace and quiet and enjoyment of one another’s company. Who can argue?

Except that we always have an anomaly every summer. Industrial unrest. And it seems like it is always reserved for this time of the year. At least the tones of the arguments have softened. The General Workers’ Union started out on the warpath, but has since calmed down and called for dialogue. A wise path indeed. We understand that as Maltese we have a fiery temper that seems to get the better of us. But aren’t things so much better when we all stop threatening each other – all sides mind you, including the government.

This all started out with the union side saying that it would take to the streets and the government coming straight back saying that it will hold the union responsible for any damages. This is all so unnecessary. The union has since called for dialogue and this has already brought about the concession from government, saying that it is willing to talk. Sometimes we try to pre-condition the ground we walk on by trying to be the bigger and heavier opponent and all that happens is that we manage to irritate our adversary even further. This issue can be solved. It is clear that the government is trying to find alternative placement for employees that are made redundant, Sea Malta a case in point. The union, on the other hand is sticking up for its members – which as mentioned before is its fundamental right. The issue here is not what both sides are striving for, it is the way their case is presented. Legitimate gripes become personal issues. It is a shame. The matter can be resolved peacefully.

The same holds true for mini vans. They were hit with a 30 per cent increase in insurance costs, yet they said that they will only take industrial action as a last resort. Well and good, but of course one has to remember that this affects their own pockets. The insurance fee hike was reduced to 15 per cent, owners are still calling for an inquiry, but one must also bear in mind this “hike” is only of Lm25 per year as it stands.

Onto the final issue, buses. The PTA says it cannot make ends meet and needs subsidies, yet it forgets some important issues. The strike comes before a radical restructuring exercise. If this exercise were to be put into effect, then more money would come into the coffers. One wonders why a strike was called before the restructuring. One also points out that bus owners have decided to stop servicing non-profitable routes – including the village service to hospital. That is below the belt, it hits health care workers as well as those who most need a bus service – people who need to get to hospital. Perhaps if bus owners actually listened to the proposals being made (of course the government must do its part and present them), both sides could come to agreement. When will we ever get rid of our militant attitude in this country? We brush things under the carpet, then we blow our tops and make things worse for ourselves. We need to grow up.