CNV

Valetta, 26 July 2011 - On 26 July the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin (UĦM) in Malta launched its initiative to create a Training Centre for young and active trade unionist from Maghreb and Arabic countries. The idea is that through the training of the trade unionist the social dialogue, and through that social stability, will be enhanced. This is firstly, good for the people themselves, and, secondly, will also be of interest to the people and country of Malta, which due to its history and vicinity traditionally has close ties with particularly the Maghreb countries.

A delegation of the UĦM as well as international delegates from the World Organization of Worker – WOW as well as CFTC France met with Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Tonio Borg, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Mr. Alfred Camilleri to elaborate on the initiative. All were greatly interested in the idea of creating a Training Centre in Malta.

For this, Mr. Gejtu Vella, Secretary General of the UĦM, introduced the initiative by stating that: “Throughout the long history of the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin, it has continuously strived to promote its core principles of basing both the national and international spectra on sound democratic values and transparent democratic institutions. These democratic institutions are often lacking in these particular countries. We feel it as part of our responsibility to support in the strengthening of these institutions. Furthermore, people are demanding dignity, democracy, accountability, and social and economic justice. I believe that both UĦM as well as Malta as a country can play an important role in achieving this.

Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, confirmed the great importance of the Training Centre. “Social Dialogue is pivotal to come to democracy. For that the training of young and enthusiastic trade unionists is an important step.” Executive Secretary of the WOW, Mr. Bjørn van Heusden agreed, but pointed to the importance of economic stability as well. “It works both ways. A stable and secure economy will give room for dialogue. If there is a certain level of employment, people will feel more secure and be more open to social change. It is the right time; The next step is to find the right people for the job”.

Dr. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, enthusiastically welcomed the initiative mentioning the fact that the Maltese Government has also been developing a policy for the particular countries. “The time to make a change is indeed now. We will have to seize the momentum.” Both Mr. Borg as well as Member of the Board of the WOW, Mr. Piet Nelissen, made the comparison between what happened after the Fall of Communism and what is happening now. In former Communist Eastern Europe social dialogue and democracy had to be built up from scratch. With the support and efforts of, amongst others, trade unions, these countries have caught up a lot in a short span of time.

Lastly, Mr. Camilleri, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, stated that “the Maghreb and Arab countries are high on the list of the priorities of the Maltese Government. We will look into the possibilities for supporting this important initiative.”

Soon the Government and the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin will continue the talks in relation to the further development and implementation of the launch of the Training Centre. Seen from the positive response a successful continuation will be expected. Thereby laying the foundations of an institute that will give great incentives to the people who have suffered for so many years. Giving them a light on the horizon.

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