The year 2006 was a very positive and fruitful one for the Unjoni Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) and the union is looking forward to the new year with great optimism, UHM president Gaetano Tanti said in his greetings for the New Year.

Mr Tanti said that the UHM had celebrated its 40 anniversary in 2006 with various activities.

“The Maltese have always appreciated how the UHM worked – without involving itself in partisan politics while keeping close to the needs and aspirations of the workers,” he said.

Through responsible and well-thought out actions, the UHM managed to improve the working conditions of its members, while contributing to all aspects that involve pensioners, workers and the country on a national level.

In October 2006, Antoine Azzopardi, one of the UHM’s secretaries, passed away at the young age of 44, said Mr Tanti.

He added that in the recent months, three new secretaries had been appointed and will take up their new posts in January.

“The UHM’s main objective is to ensure that new job opportunities and economic growth will improve the workers’ conditions and their standard of living,” said Mr Tanti.

In March 2007, the UHM will convene its 30th annual general conference, during which a number of proposals will be drawn up and presented to politicians who will be preparing their campaigns for the general election.

Mr Tanti said that the UHM will focus on the changeover to the euro that will take place in January 2008, and ensure that it will not have a negative impact on the cost of living.

He added that the UHM firmly believes that life-long education and ongoing training should be at the forefront of everyone’s agenda.