The recent saga about the upward revision of utility rates has resulted in occasional correspondence concerning the MUT’s position within the local trade-unionism field and vis-à-vis wider national issues.

The union would like to address some of the issues raised, which merit a factually based reply.

Since its inception in 1919, the MUT has been a forward-looking, proactive union. Suffice it to say that the MUT, the oldest extant registered trade union, was founded by a dynamic young teacher right at the time of great socio-political upheaval. The very foundation of the union itself was a courageous decision taken amidst turbulent times. During its 90 years of existence, the MUT has never shirked the social responsibility inherent in its primary function as a trade union. However, it has always maintained a strict policy of non-political alignment. This is evidenced by the fact that the union has always defended the interests of teaching grades – and workers – by all legitimate means, irrespective of which party happened to be in government.

A cursory look at the last 30 years of activity will clearly elucidate this fact:

MUT’s position and action on the school lock-out (1984)

MUT’s action on compensation for salaries lost during lock-out (1989)

MUT’s position against Labour government’s decision to turn university stipends into a loan-scheme (1997)

MUT’s position in favour of EU accession (2004-)

MUT’s position against the reception class as detailed in the MLP electoral manifesto (2008)

MUT’s stand and insistence on the ILO decision on public holidays (2006)

MUT’s stand on the revision of utility rates (2008 - )

The foregoing are just a few examples of the decisions taken by the MUT under different administrations. In this context, the MUT emerges as a trade union that truly lives up to its role: that of defending its particular sector – and workers at large – from unbecoming conditions of work and odious distinctions, to paraphrase the MUT statute. In order to carry out such onerous tasks, a trade union worth its salt cannot simply remain passive in the face of policies and decisions which affect the livelihood of workers. This is why the Union fully endorses and advocates the principle of social dialogue, which is the very lifeblood of European Union policy-making protocol. It is only by taking a pro-active social stand that a trade union fulfils its responsibilities to its members and society. The MUT has always honoured this responsibility with dignity and certainly cannot be accused of any partisan or political alignment. It has always taken an active stand in issues of national concern – a case in point being its clear stand in favour of EU accession. The MUT actively advocated Malta’s accession and participated in mass events organized by the Moviment IVA even if this meant suffering unjustified accusations of political alignment with the PN.

The MUT is currently taking a leading part in organising the local trade union sector with its active involvement within the Forum Unions Maltin and its founding role within the Ghaqda Unions Maltin. Now that the MUT – together with other affiliated trade unions in the Ghaqda Unions Maltin – is taking an active stand against the revision of utility tariffs it is yet again being unjustly branded as political. In truly democratic societies, social activism cannot and should not be the preserve of political parties. The MUT and other unions within the Ghaqda Unions Maltin can only be “accused” of striving to establish this culture. If such is the case, then we have to seriously question the democratic credentials of our society.

Franklin Barbara

Malta Union of Teachers General Secretary