MUT will join GWU in protest

The Malta Union of Teachers said it will be participating in the Valletta march being organised tomorrow at 5.30 p.m. by the General Workers Union to protest against the reduction in the number of public holidays.

The MUT appealed to all workers to participate peacefully at the protest for it to be a true show of solidarity among workers - and therefore it should be ensured that the march will not be given a political slant.

"It should be an opportunity where the workers show unity in the best interest of everyone," the MUT said, and if the need existed for austerity measures to make the country more competitive, these should be introduced after an agreement is reached between all the social partners and not through imposition on workers.

The MUT concluded by urging all the parties concerned to return to the negotiating table with the clear commitment to find a solution in the best interest of the country.

The GWU yesterday expressed satisfaction that five unions had already confirmed their participation in the march. Apart from the MUT, the other unions are the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, the Central Bank Workers Union and other unions forming part of the Forum group.

The GWU noted that this was the first time that various trade unions were collaborating together on a national scale. This, the GWU added, "reflected the determination and enthusiasm that existed among the workers for tomorrow's protest".