Trade unions are part and parcel of democratic society. Over the eyars they have done a lot for the worker, the ordinary Joe, who was transformed in decades past as hard won rights were implemented and respected.

This was the time when workers had no disability severance rights, no holidays, poor and dangerous working conditions and worse. It was a time when the worker no longer starved. It was his emancipation.

But since those days, the role of unions has been transformed. Even here in Malta (where we are notoriously slow in catching up to the rest of the world) the very essence of trade unionism has undergone change. Unions have to work with governments and keep the national interest in mind – and it is evident that all unions, despite their faults, have done that and continue to do that.

In doing so, all unions gained in credibility. People know that unions cannot simply order strikes at every corner. In turn, unions know that it is counterproductive too, and they often do try and meet halfway without disrupting the economy or putting employees jobs further at risk. They have also taken on the role of trainers and re-trainers, again working with government agencies to try and help people made redundant find a new job.

But in passing the comments that he passed, General Workers’ Union secretary general has put his, and the union’s credibility, in jeopardy. The Labour leader said that no one had the right to speak on behalf of the party – and this is correct. He also called on Mr Zarb to explain what he meant. In one fell swoop, Mr Zarb has given the very real impression that it is in cahoots with Labour and would do favours for companies in return for support.

It is so very wrong. The PN and the Prime Minister have called for Mr Zarb’s resignation – but that will never happen. It is not only politicians who are not held accountable on these islands of ours, it is anyone with influence.

And it seems clear that Mr Zarb does have influence – or he is trying to give the impression that he has. Whatever the case may be, the comments passed were unacceptable and the union does have a duty to explain itself.

This, of course, comes in an atmosphere where corruption is being exposed daily. Corruption is a very expansive term. Where does one actually draw the line. Corruption might involved kickbacks, but it can also involve wielding undue influence.  We cannot have two weights and two measures.