Busuttil praises “autonomous and independent” role of trade unions

PN leader Simon Buusttil and UHM secretary general Josef Vella emphasise the importance of social dialogue in meeting held this afternoon.

PN leader Simon Busuttil (second from right) with UHM Secretary General Josef Vella (right). Photo by: Ray Attard
PN leader Simon Busuttil (second from right) with UHM Secretary General Josef Vella (right). Photo by: Ray Attard

The Nationalist Party this afternoon held a meeting with Union Haddiema Maghquin (UHM) at the latter’s headquarters in which they discussed the importance of good dialogue and cooperation between political parties and social partners.

PN leader Simon Busuttil said that the meeting was the first during this legislature in which the Nationalist’s parliamentary group - in its entirety - held a meeting outside its own headquarters, describing it as a signal of the party’s intent to “get closer to the people.”

Expressing his gratitude towards UHM for the invitation, Busuttil said that the Union was “one of the most important social partners” in the country. “We consider autonomous and independent trade unions and all the work you do as being of cardinal importance,” he said. “And it is our job, as a political party, to understand the issues which affect you and see how we can be of assistance.”

Busuttil also spoke about the “important role” which the Opposition played in a democracy. “In order to be an effective Opposition, we need to be vocal, creative but most of all, we need to be able to properly listen to what society and its representatives are telling us,” he said.

On his part, UHM Secretary General said that he felt “honoured” that all the party’s parliamentarians attended the meeting and emphasised the importance of social dialogue.  He said that the loyalty of trade unions should always be towards its workers, above anything else.

The rest of the meeting was held behind closed doors.