Every organisation needs from time to time to take stock of the situation, look in the mirror and conduct an objective analysis to see whether it is meeting the expectations of its shareholders.
In the case of the General Workers' Union the shareholders are our members and their families. While the GWU is still the largest trade union in Malta, despite the downsizing of certain government and private entities, we cannot rest on our laurels and do nothing else.
We must constantly do our utmost and continue to grow and maintain our leadership. We owe this not only to our forefathers who founded the union, but also to our members, our employees and their families and to all those who support the principles and values of social justice.
Despite the fact that we are in the midst of a very aggressive recession that has hit our shores, we have managed to win recognition at various organisations.
Had the Industrial Relations Law been more democratic, reflecting the ILO's recommendations and the will of the majority expressed by means of a secret ballot, the GWU would also have won recognition of port workers.
While the port workers issue was going on, plans were already at an advanced stage to re-brand the union. This will give it a new corporate identity that transmits a fresh look and feel, but above all, one that puts the member and his family at the centre of our strategy.
This project has been going on for more than a year now and a lot of time, money and resources have been invested into it. When the union was born, some 66 years ago, its main mission was to improve the working conditions of the members and their families. Now, however, our new mission has been broadened to include the quality of life of our members, their families and also the public, as the GWU is fully aware of its responsibilities as a national institution.
To improve the quality of life we re-focused our strategy by giving priority to the environment and green jobs, life-long learning, affordable childcare centres, non-discrimination on and off the workplace, work-life balance, local councils and how these are effectively serving the people, the effects of the recession and the issue of the increases in the utility tariffs, which the GWU championed along with 10 other unions.
On some national issues the GWU published its opinion or made concrete proposals, such as the GWU's stimulus package, which included among others the proposal for the government to subsidise pay on the fifth day for employees who work a four-day week.
We also launched the social tourism project, which is now a national project supported by the government, the opposition and various business partners. This is a new niche market for Malta with an estimated potential of some 90 million trade union members who will shortly have the opportunity to book their holiday through a specifically designed web portal.
On other national issues we took a bold and proactive approach. For example, unlike others, we came out loud and clear against the exploitation of migrant workers, which if unaddressed is also detrimental to Maltese workers. On other issues we commissioned our own studies, which will soon be published as policy papers once approved by the national congress.
However, there are other initiatives in hand to re-brand the GWU and give it a new corporate identity. For the past few months we have been refurbishing the entrance yard and reception area of the union headquarters to give it a more modern look. The theatre has been refurbished and is now being managed by an independent theatre company.
This is not only providing extra revenue for the union but is a new attraction for children and grown-ups alike with various popular shows being held there. The union's website is being re-designed and will now provide more information and services to our members, including the facility to pay the membership fee online.
A new membership system has been implemented which is very accurate, efficient, user-friendly and provides the necessary management information at a touch of a button. Our members and their families will soon start benefiting from various partnership agreements which were recently signed.
These will hopefully help our members to get more value for money on their membership subscription. Full details about these packages will be announced shortly. More is yet to come; the national congress which is due to be held tomorrow is not the end of the journey but the start of a new and exciting one.
Mr Carachi is the president of the GWU.