Reference is made to the letter penned by Charles Vella, Media and Information Executive of the General Workers Union (TMID, 10 May).

I will not focus on the good intentions or otherwise of the GWU to come to the negotiating table at the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, but I will once again reiterate that it was the short-sightedness of the GWU officials which led to the failure in the process of negotiations of the social pact in 2004.

My comments irked the GWU when on various occasions they have claimed that they were the champions that led to the failure of the negotiations in 2004.

It seems that I need to stress once again that it is imperative for the social partners to strike a deal on issues such as economic growth, new employment opportunities and enhanced social justice. An agreement on a national level would have placed the unions in a far better position to ensure that our agenda becomes the national agenda.

It appears that the GWU is not at all proud of its recent past and therefore tries to erase part of their recent history. No amount of effort will change facts.

The GWU was wrong in advising workers against Malta joining the European Union, was wrong again when it was against the introduction of the euro and the introduction of VAT. Time has already shown that the GWU was once again wrong when it undermined negotiations between social partners.

Had it been for the GWU, workers and their dependants would have lost new opportunities and challenges in a globalised world. Embracing change is of the utmost importance for the unions to survive in the 21st century.

Perhaps, Mr Vella may have a quick look at Pagna Migbura mill-Ufficcju Midja u Informazzjoni tal-GWU published on Thursday 7 February 2008 to truly appreciate what constitutes an attack on unions’ solidarity.

Trade unions may in future come closer but history cannot be wiped out. The GWU has to learn to live with its short-sightedness and failures

committed.

On the other hand the UHM will continue to strive to ensure that worker interests are safeguarded in a globalised world.

Gejtu Vella

Secretary General

Union Haddiema Maghqudin

Floriana