On my desk at UHM headquarters, I have a small memento a close friend of mine brought me from Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The memento is three small pieces of concrete painted in different colours from the Berlin Wall, which in 1961 divided Germany into two, the democratic, west and communist east.

The fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of an era. People lost their lives because others could not understand the concepts of democracy, liberty, human rights and social justice. Those living on the east side had their dignity constantly attacked and compromised by a totalitarian regime. However, they continued to strive for freedom notwithstanding the high price they had to pay.  Some even sacrificed their own life. This clearly demonstrates that irrespective of those holding power, the people’s will is ultimately always stronger and louder. It may take a while but social values cannot be compromised for the sake of political creed.

This event in recent history could not go by unnoticed both in Europe and the rest of world. The unification of Germany is and remains a milestone for the European Union. At present, the EU is the second largest economic and social block in the world with more European countries seeking membership notwithstanding the present economic and financial turmoil and social upheaval in some of its member states. The EU remains the bedrock for democracy, liberty and human rights.  

Similarly in Poland, in December 1981, General Jaruzelski imposed martial law. The people agitated. In the early 1990s, Lech Walesa, Solidarnosc trade union leader, supported by many thousands of workers from all walks of life, decided that it was ripe for their country to shake loose from communism that had deprived the people of democracy, liberty and social justice. The large number of people living in poverty was extraordinary. More eastern European communist regimes had to face their people rallying in streets. People achieved what they had strived for and aspired to for many years. Countries within the folds of the European Union are today free and enjoy the spread of democracy

In the 1980s we were also embroiled in political strife. Our democracy was challenged and was in jeopardy. People had to rally regularly in the streets to voice their apprehension and dissatisfaction with the way things were being run. People wanted to ensure that what had been achieved by the hard work of many since independence would not be lost with the stroke of a pen.

Compared to what was happening in most East European communist countries, our ordeal was a minor event that was partially rectified some months before the 1987 general election. At that time, the UHM with other free independent trade unions played a leading part and protected workers’ rights from the stubborn politicians of that time.

Now we are witnessing revolts and uprisings in the Maghreb region. The revolt that started in Tunisia was followed shortly afterwards by the one in Egypt while the Libyans are still struggling with the Gaddafi regime. In Syria the uprisings against Assad’s regime continue with many civilians being targeted and massacred.

Due to Malta’s geographical position at the very centre of the Mediterranean Sea, strategically and ideally placed between the Maghreb countries and the European Union countries, Malta has a leading role to play. With this in mind the UHM has taken the responsibility, with the full collaboration of the World Organisation of Workers and CFTC from France, to set up a training centre for young and active independent trade unionists from the Arab countries. 

Rather than looking at the unfolding events from a distance, sitting on comfortable sofas in our homes, the UHM has decided that it is now opportune to assist these people in setting up and strengthening independent trade unions. Active independent trade unions are necessary to foster and help democracy take root. What the world is hoping for is that these uprisings in most of the Arab countries serve as the beginning and, hopefully, be an identical process leading to the democracy that has been set up in most of Eastern European countries. 

With the UHM’s new initiative, Malta will play a role in the Mediterranean in strengthening independent trade unions in Arab countries. Economic prosperity, social justice, democracy, liberty, social market economy, workers’ rights, social dialogue and new work opportunities are all important to create economic stability and fairness. Malta, with different levels of success, is a fine social-economic model with all necessary structures in place.  We will share our own experiences with our trade union colleagues from the Arab countries for the benefit of the workers, communities and countries both in the EU and the Maghreb region. Peace can be achieved if social justice is sustained.

[email protected]

Mr Vella is Secretary

General of the UHM