The 1st of May sees the celebration on Worker’s Day in Malta as well as several other nations. The day is seen as an important event to promote solidarity and integrity amongst workers, between employers and employees and in encouraging a healthy working environment.
This holiday came about in 1866 after American protesters stormed the streets in the United States for better employment conditions. In time, the 1st May became an internationally celebrated day condoning workers’ efforts all around the globe, known as May Day.
In Malta it also commemorates the two-year anniversary of Malta’s accession within the European Union.
In a National Conference held on Monday to commemorate Workers’ Day, Prime Minister, Dr. Lawrence Gonzi said, “Our country has a great future ahead of it, one of courage and optimism, and this future lies in the hands of all Maltese and Gozitans. Our appeal to you is to make a success of this future together”. The conference held the theme ‘More Work… More Investments for a better life’.
Dr. Gonzi said that the conference was a positive one that brought new ideas and positive experiences from various sectors in the economy which showed encouraging outcomes as a result of European Union membership as well as the capabilities of Maltese workers.
The Prime Minister spoke about his visits to various industries and businesses which presented very promising results, from the investment side as well as from the employment aspect.
He also said that Malta and Gozo offer a lot to the business world through excellent workers and human resources. He went on to state that the main aim for the country is one where everybody benefits and a common goal is reached, stating that ultimately this lies in education and offering educational facilities to all ages. Today’s youth should focus on their studies and benefit from the markets that are being opened to them, especially through specialization in an economic field.
Labour Party leader Dr. Alfred Sant said that if the government is not capable of keeping its promises then it should make way for the Labour Party to implement its plan which will give a new start to Malta.
Dr. Sant spoke about the tourism sector and how tourists visiting the island need to be taken care of so that they will return. He also appealed for a revision of the surcharge in electricity which is causing distress to many families who cannot cope with the increasing bills.
Dr. Sant said that these are not the only measures which are contributing to an increase in the cost of living, and that dual pricing which is expected to be introduced to Malta at the beginning of 2007 will also increase prices for consumers.
Archbishop Mons. Guzeppi Mercieca meanwhile spoke about work ethics and those who are unemployed or made redundant. The Archbishop said that workers should be allowed their dignity with adequate work packages including wages and environement.
He also said that the family is another form of work as it takes work to build foundations for a strong family to live upon. The Church's theme for Workers' day is the Catholic Spirit in the workplace (Spirtu Nisrani fuq il-post tax-xoghol).
The Labour Party held an activity in Ta’ Qali on Sunday as part of Workers’ Day celebrations. Discussions were held by Labour Party leader Dr. Alfred Sant who spoke about the introduction of dual pricing in Malta saying that the consumer would be the one to lose out with this scheme. Dr. Sant spoke about other issues such as the introduction of low-cost airlines and surcharge. On Monday, the Labour Party continued with their celebrations in Valletta.
Meanwhile, Dr Harry Vassallo, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party (AD) appealed to all the unions, employers and political parties to do their utmost so that Maltese and Gozitan workers will enjoy the same benefits as their counterparts in the European Union. The AD stressed the importance of equal employment rights regardless of gender, sexual orientation or other discriminating factors.
General Workers’ Union (GWU) President, Salv Sammut, stated that nowadays the importance of workers uniting is increasing, irrespective of any differences that they may have and what trade union they belong to. The GWU celebrated Worker’s Day by laying wreaths at the foot of the worker’s monument in Msida on Sunday.
© Copyright 2006 - MaltaMedia Online Network
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