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29 August, 1999Members demonstrate by the thousands in a show of support for the General Workers' Union.
MALTA: Following the events which occurred on August 20 (see our news item dated 23/8/99), and the threat to the free exercise of trade union rights which they represented, thousands of members of the General Workers' Union held a huge demonstration on August 25. The union and its members were determined to show the government that they were not about to accept this kind of violence and abuse of their legitimate trade union activities.
With such a show of support by the membership, the government was forced to come to terms with the union. The original agreement signed with the government - but which it had never honoured - came into effect on August 26. GWU General Secretary Tony Zarb explained that another reason why the government changed its position was due to the numerous letters it received from trade unions worldwide in protest at the serious violation of trade union rights which had taken place.
The GWU strike was suspended on August 21, after all those who had been arrested were released. The question of trade union recognition at Malta's international airport, however, is still to be resolved; the union says it could be settled by the workers themselves through a secret ballot.
Trade union officials have started the procedure of filing a complaint with the ILO over government violation of freedom of association, and they also intend bringing relevant cases to the Maltese courts.
The General Workers' Union, which is affiliated to the IMF, is the largest general union in Malta. It represents 46,516 members in all sectors of industry and services.
With such a show of support by the membership, the government was forced to come to terms with the union. The original agreement signed with the government - but which it had never honoured - came into effect on August 26. GWU General Secretary Tony Zarb explained that another reason why the government changed its position was due to the numerous letters it received from trade unions worldwide in protest at the serious violation of trade union rights which had taken place.
The GWU strike was suspended on August 21, after all those who had been arrested were released. The question of trade union recognition at Malta's international airport, however, is still to be resolved; the union says it could be settled by the workers themselves through a secret ballot.
Trade union officials have started the procedure of filing a complaint with the ILO over government violation of freedom of association, and they also intend bringing relevant cases to the Maltese courts.
The General Workers' Union, which is affiliated to the IMF, is the largest general union in Malta. It represents 46,516 members in all sectors of industry and services.