Seasoned Labour Party politicians amongst whom Leo Brincat and Carmelo Abela, wrote articles wherein they claimed that the UHM is not an independent trade union. Some Labour Party sympathisers like Dr Joseph Fava went overboard.

They based their arguments on the premise that we have decided not to participate in the demonstrations scheduled for the last day of the month by a number of small sectorial unions, the Labour Party and the General Workers’ Union.

While I respect the gentlemanly manner in which both MP’s treated the issue, I still fail to comprehend why they have concluded their line of argument the way they did. I think it is more a matter of convenience than anything else. I am certain that these gentlemen deep down do appreciate the hard work performed by UHM.

We all know that the water and electricity tariffs have been on the national agenda for a very long time, way back to when the Labour government decided to increase these tariffs without any form of consultation with either the trade unions or employer bodies serving on the Malta Council for Economic Development. The social aspects at the MCESD came later into play by virtue of the Act for the establishment of this Council in 2001.

In their articles I was called names from a “ministru” to a “fido” and much more in between. I know the gentlemen and I am sure they mean well and I am not offended.

The post of secretary general of a large union like ours is a responsibility, which I share with my colleagues, for the proper execution of the necessary decisions, which at times may not be popular but necessary as a long-term investment.

My task is to protect workers and improve their standard of living with the aid of the various means available in our industrial relations, and which we constantly use to sustain our claims. Our role is not to put spokes in the wheels of our islands particularly in the current socio-economic scenario. I shoulder that responsibility.

I am certain that my responsibility is greater than any other spokesperson sitting on the benches of the Opposition or any other ghostwriter. The UHM has people’s lives and their future in its hands. The UHM is not prepared to play with the future of those who have entrusted us with their confidence and dearest issues.

My responsibility is continuous and together with my colleagues we constantly endeavour to strive for solutions that are fair, equitable and sustainable for all involved. Certainly this is not an easy task but it pays high dividends.

We will not follow the GWU as on a number of occasions the GWU has failed to steer workers out of trouble. In my opinion the GWU has failed to appreciate the writing on the wall much to often to the detriment of their members.

In my opinion the participation of the Labour Party and Alternattiva Demokratika in the demonstration is only fuelled by their eagerness to create the feeling that some things can be changed easily with a stroke of a pen.

I am sure a time will come when people will be called to stand up and be counted. The Labour Party needs to be careful not to give the wrong signals to the electorate. People will haunt the Labour Party once in office. We all remember the mileage gained by the Labour Party when VAT was introduced and the subsequent events. Promises will have to be honoured.

Promises that are beyond the control and grasp of our politicians should be avoided at all times. There are issues that are far beyond local politicians control. One of which is the fuel price there are other issues.

I am of an age whereby I can remember the performance of the two largest political parties when in office. I remember the actions, or lack thereof, the strategies or lack of planning of those holding office in the thick and thin. The UHM has always played the cards well to the benefit of the workers.

Over a span of time the UHM has passed various tests with flying colours. I will only refer to three important milestones: (a) the introduction of VAT, (b) Malta joining the European Union and (c) the subsequent adoption of the euro. On all three counts both the Labour Party and the General Workers Union failed to notice the signs of the times. On the other hand the UHM played an important role to safeguard workers interests. We were proved right in our firm stand.

Over time the UHM has proved to be trustworthy and has earned the necessary credentials to represent workers in most workplaces because the UHM has always acted as an independent trade union irrespective of those holding high office.

I am sure this will be another issue mishandled by the organisers and the free riders.

Gejtu Vella

Secretary General UHM

[email protected]