UĦM Voice of the Workers eMagazine issue 17

VOICE OF THE

WORKERS ISSUE 17 MAY 2014

Contents The Power of Working Together

02

For the People, with the People

03

The future of the EU employment policy

07

Work for the good of all

08

Workers’ Day in Europe

09

VIdeo 10

On Workers’ Day Welcome to the Workers’ Day issue of the Voice of the Worker emagazine.

that are taking excessively long to come to a decision – the list of things to do is long indeed.

Workers’ day is indeed a day to celebrate. But it is also a good time to reflect, and engage in frank discussion.

In principle, most of us agree as to what is needed to address different worker issues. The UHM’s proposal on Jobs+, Malta’s own Active Labour Market Policy, has been endorsed by all social partners. However, it is high time that we put our money where our mouth is. If the investment is not there, targets will not be achieved.

There are workers who can celebrate their achievements.

There are others, however, that face an uncertain future. There are workers that are being faced with monthly contracts; Others are still struggling to find work; Workers with collective agreements that are not being honoured; Industrial Tribunals VOICE OF THE

WORKERS

The UHM strongly believes that the Co-operative business model can be a viable

EDITOR’S NOTE JOSEF VELLA solution for workers, can be a sustainable tool in the fight against precarious work, and can empower disadvantaged members of our society.

We need to start seriously tackling the issues pertaining to the sustainability of our pensions, to ensure that young people today are assured an adequate standard of living on their retirement.

We need to develop further ways of achieving a better work-life balance, and thus reduce the considerable strains on families with children.

1

EDITORIAL

The world is changing, and the list is long indeed. The labour market is presenting challenges we need to address in a proactive way. Trade Unions today need to be an active part of this change.

Being part of it implies that one can really contribute so that the change takes a positive direction.

Some question the role of Trade Unions today. The UHM firmly believes that trade unions have

an increasingly larger role to play today. Although their basic remit has remained the same, the scope of their work has expanded tremendously. This is a challenge that Trade Unions need to embrace to remain fully relevant.

Back in 1981, in his encyclical ‘Laborem Exercens (On Human Work), St. John Paul II stated: “The purpose of unions is not simply to defend the existing wages and

prerogatives of the fraction of workers who belong to them, but also to enable workers to make positive and creative contributions to the firm, the community, and the larger society in an organized and cooperative way.� Work as the main affirmation of dignity and the triumph of the human spirit.

Through solidarity, together, we can really make work pay: for us and for those around us.

The Power of Working Together Human work is essential not just to the individual, but also to families, societies, and ultimately, the world we live in. Work is supposed to be a means to a better quality of life, satisfaction, social interaction, and ultimately, happiness. Rather than looking at this statement as a mirage, we should all be working together to give work a more human dimension, and in the process, humanize the world we live in. Solidarity is the key to achieving these outcomes.

VOICE OF THE

WORKERS

2

INTERVIEW - MR PIOTR DUDA

, E L P O E P E FOR TH E L P O E P E H WITH T ŚĆ IDENT OF SOLIDARNO ES PR , DA DU TR O PI R WS M JOHN MALLIA INTERVIE

Solidarność (Solidarity) Trade Union, was born in Poland on the 31st August, 1980 in the Gdansk Shipyard. Under the leadership of Lech Walesa, it was the only free Trade Union in the Communist controlled countries. During the 1980’s Solidarność was a beacon of hope for people and workers, in Poland, other nations of the Communist Bloc, as well as the rest of the world. It symbolized freedom, workers’ rights and opposition to repression. The Roman Catholic Church, under the leadership of St. John Paul II, was a very powerful and vociferous supporter of the union. In addition, the priest Jerzy Popiełuszko, who regularly gave sermons to the striking workers, was eventually killed by the Communist regime for his association with Solidarność. During the early 1980’s the government attempted to destroy the union during martial law and political oppression. However, Solidarność ’s power forced the government to negotiate with the union. Today, Solidarność organises 680,000 members from 37 regions.

On a personal note, how did your story in Solidarność begin?

I was a member of Solidarność from the very beginning, around August 1980. I became a member when I was working in the steel mill in Gljivica, in the Silesia region, which is a coal and steel district in Poland. For a time I was conscripted to military service, and when I came back to working at the same steel mill, I became an active member of Solidarność . I am a fighter by character, always VOICE OF THE

WORKERS

fighting for an ideal or for people.

So it was quite natural for me to be a trade union activist. I was then elected as chairperson of the steel mill, and subsequently was elected leader of the largest territorial structure of Solidarność, in the Silesia region. However, never, in my wildest dreams, did I imagine that I would one day be elected as the successor of Lech Walesa to lead Solidarność . But, as you see, everything is possible in life. I love my job and have a passion for it.

During the early days of Solidarność, did you feel the eyes of the world on Poland’s workers and on Solidarność in particular?

It was not clear for me at that time that this huge movement of Solidarność would be so famous. For me, it was simply an opportunity to change something in my workplace; just to obtain a better quality of life. So when a colleague of ours I previously knew came and distributed membership leaflets, all of us 3

INTERVIEW - MR PIOTR DUDA

grabbed them and signed them.

We wished to be part of this newly-born Solidarność simply to change our workplace. We never thought about changing the world.

You talk about changing the workplace. How do you think Solidarność has succeeded in doing that over the years?

In 1989, a big transition started.

For us, it was very important, as we played a very significant role in the process of transforming a centrally planned economy to a market economy. But our dream was not only about a market economy; we were dreaming, in fact, of a social market economy.

Change was happening at a fast rate, and right after 1989 the social price was very high.

Thousands of jobs were lost in the transition from a central to a market economy. Unfortunately, a lot of people put the blame on us for what was going on. In the very beginning, we were very much involved in the political process as well. Poland became an independent country, no longer a COMECON country, and we were VOICE OF THE

WORKERS

very much directly involved in the political aspect. Our colleagues were literally sitting in ministerial positions. After some time, though, we came back to our roots, and Solidarność now has a clear trade union agenda again.

Together with Malta, you were one of the states that became members of the European Union in 2004. How has this changed Poland?

That’s a good question. There are both positive and negative aspects. There are definitely more advantages than disadvantages, and we were clear about that when we became members. But not everything is so positive. We all know that EU enlargement is a political process, but it is also about economy. We knew that being a relatively large country, we were also providing a very big for the European Union.

However, it was also very evident for us that the old EU has taken us as a kind of reservoir of cheap labour. Some multinationals coming to Poland with foreign investment, still tend to look for

cheap labour. But this is not good, and not acceptable any longer.

We have repeatedly said that enough is enough, and it’s time to compete on real competences, not on cheap labour. We want these multinational companies to consider workers as human beings and not as a commodity.

This is a totally different philosophy. Unfortunately, by using cheap labour to compete, some Polish businesses and multinationals are really putting the clock back to the 19th century .

It is quite ironic that on one hand you have Polish workers going to other EU countries with cheap labour, and on the other hand, the local workers say that Polish workers are taking their own jobs.

On its part, Poland is experiencing a brain drain.

How do you see this?

Yes, it’s true. Polish workers are paying taxes in foreign countries as well as national insurance contributions, and are contributing to the growth of those countries. You are right.

4

INTERVIEW - MR PIOTR DUDA

It is a paradox. These workers are educated and highly skilled, and are contributing to another country’s prosperity, while we are experiencing a brain drain, amongst other problems.

Do you see any way out of this situation? You are very critical of the Polish political class to deliver.

I cannot even call the Polish politicians a political class. I prefer

to call them the political elite.

These are people who are out to earn power, and very often, power leads to money. They do not even deserve to be called a political class. There are quite a number of elite parliamentarians who literally jump to and from different sides of the political spectrum; from the leftist Social democratic Party to the Christian Party, and then the Liberal Party. They very often gravitate according to

We should be close to the people, listen to them and understand them. We need to react properly, at all levels of our structures, be they local, regional or national

what direction the wind is taking.

Politicians in Poland really do not like Solidarność , because we are one of those few who keep watching what they are doing, and we want them to be accountable for their actions.

But aren’t these politicians are elected by the people at the end of the day?

I am often in the media. The politicians often attack me and say that I should stick to the Trade Union agenda not be so critical of those people who are elected.

Do you see a future where Solidarność will have to reenter the political arena?

You should never step twice into the same water. We have been directly involved in politics and were heavily criticized and blamed for all the reforms we managed to carry out in Poland. As the great Pope, and newly canonized St. John Paul II once stated, power goes from politician to politician, but Solidarność must be all the time with people, nurses, steel workers, and hard-working people. This is also what I think, and as long as I am the president of Solidarność , I will stick to this principle: to be with the people.

Mind you, there are many who have proposed our re-entry into politics as well.

On a European level, do you see trade Unions changing in their role?

Well, I see a kind of deficit in social dialogue at European level and by ETUC. It is not the kind of dialogue I would like to see. They are talking, but no results are being achieved. This is not satisfactory from our point of view. There are many declarations at European level on Youth Unemployment, on a social Europe, and new, better

VOICE OF THE

WORKERS

5

INTERVIEW - MR PIOTR DUDA

quality jobs. There was also a big demonstration by ETUC in Brussels. But politicians don’t care that much of what we are currently doing at the European level.

So, in reality, politicians are on one level, and trade unions are on another, trying to mend things. Are the people being caught in the middle? How can trade unions effectively communicate with the people?

We should be close to the people, listen to them and understand them. We need to react properly, at all levels of our structures, be they local, regional or national. We need to convince people that we are together with them, and not someone locked up comfortably in a tower. We need to convince them that we are different from politicians.

People tend to confuse us with politicians. At home, people sometimes confuse even me with a politician. But I am definitely not a politician. There is a crucial difference between the trade union people, and the politicians. Politicians are jockeying for power, while we want to change and improve things for the people.

The principles are there.

Is the message the problem?

Yes, indeed. Politicians in power have the media under their control. Different types of media including both online as well as traditional media are in the hands of politicians. People are very easily seduced by the media and by its messages. We do not have the means to be in a position to oppose this great machinery. So, the only way is the old-fashioned way, and that is the direct, physical, face-toVOICE OF THE

WORKERS

face contact with the people.

But it’s time consuming, and you have to commit yourself totally; you have to be there with the people. If the media cannot be at your service, you have to go personally to the people.

Today, online media is much more accessible than traditional media. Do you see that as an opportunity?

Indeed, we are present online and we do quite a lot. But still, traditional media such as TV and radio, are much stronger than us. We are currently engaged in a huge campaign to show people how their elected members in the European Parliament voted on crucial social issues. We are ready to pay big money to put all those messages on billboards, TV, and radio. But we are rejected by the largest companies that are connected to the media and stopped from using the official channels. They try to shut us up, but we will do our job. We will be critical. Political parties even have a share in the media. But we, as a trade union, are not allowed to do this. We only get reported in the media if we do something wrong. Here, a huge story is fabricated around us to show how bad unions are.

Should the trade unions and other social groups set up their own social enterprises?

Can solidarity be a good building block in this regard?

We must be aware of the fact that politicians will do all they can not to allow us to do this, as we are on the other side.

If you are given a magic wand to tackle youth unemployment, what would these be, at national and

European level?

Give people stable and sustainable employment, as well as adequate social security.

This is not just for young people, but for all people. Stable and sustainable employment and adequate social security will have a trigger effect socially.

People will be encouraged to have families, as they could have trust in their future.

Do you see co-operatives as solutions for workers to seek their own fortunes, rather than waiting to be employed?

If young people see this as meaningful, I support that kind of idea. You definitely cannot impose this from outside, however. It is the workers who need to realize that they have an opportunity and grab it.

Finally, do you see a change in the definition of a trade union in the 21st century as opposed to the traditional one?

Both from a Polish as well as from a Europan perspective, sometimes I have the feeling that the trade union activists or leaders are drifting away from their mission, are talking the political language too much, and are too close to politicians. We are there to protect workers’ interests, and we should stick to this principle. We cannot play the role of employers. We should play our own role. Like that, with autonomous dialogue, both workers and employers will benefit. We cannot afford to have what I describe as bureaucratic trade unions, with officials sitting there, and not feeling the real link with the people on the ground. As for me, I always try to be on the ground, down there, close to the people.

6

MEUSAC

The future of the EU employment policy

The EU has over the years developed its employment policies and laws to increase employment and worker mobility, to improve the quality of jobs and working conditions, to inform and consult workers, to combat poverty and social exclusion, to promote equality between men and women, and to modernise social protection systems.

Boosting social dialogue Businesses, employees and public authorities need to actively work together to build the highly competitive social market economy, by aiming at full employment and social progress, envisaged by the EU Treaties.

Employee engagement and strong social partnership are central to this agenda.

Good quality jobs High levels of employee involvement, healthy and safe working environments, as well as adequate pay are central to the quality of paid work.

The Agenda for Skills and Jobs, within the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’ – the EU’s Agenda for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth seeks to ensure that the objective of a 75% employment rate of the population aged 20-64 is met by 2020.

Increasing productivity Investments in human capital are particularly needed by raising skill levels and ensuring that those skills are then effectively used by good management and human resource practices to create highperformance workplaces.

Building inclusive labour markets Measures to ensure equal opportunities for access to employment, training and promotion are important to ensure fairness and to maximise the potential of the workforce.

This is particularly relevant for young workers and people from disadvantaged backgrounds who are often forced to accept precarious working conditions.

But how will the EU ensure that the employment target of ‘Europe 2020’ is achieved? The following are the main components of the long-term employment strategy of the EU:

Encouraging employmentintensive growth A job-rich recovery must be based on the efficient functioning of the labour markets and a right balance between flexibility and security.

Taken together, and with ownership of social partners and political leaders, these components could form a good basis for future employment policy across the European Union.

MEUSAC 280 Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1112 Tel: +356 2200 3315 • Fax: +356 2200 3329 • Email: info.meusac@gov.mt www.meusac.gov.mt VOICE OF THE

WORKERS

7

MCESD

Work for the good of all The 1st of May is a global public holiday celebrating the achievements and struggles of workers. Workers have an indispensable role in the global economy. In a small island with limited resources like ours human resources are even more vital. In view of this, vestment in human capital has been put at the forefront of Government’s agenda across the years.

Within MCESD numerous discussions take place, most of which concern workers and their conditions as well as their contribution to our economy.

Various meetings were held including a set of meetings on precarious employment in 2013. MCESD members agree that human resources need to be further taken care of and exploitation of the worker is

unethical even more so when illegal actions are carried out.

After a set of meetings were held proposals were made by Social Partners and sent to Government.

The latter is committed at ensuring good working conditions for all.

Various other discussions took place including some on the important issue of education.

Education is key at ensuring a good and desirable workforce.

The latter ultimately increases our competitiveness. One must ensure that education is at the forefront since workers need to be equipped with the necessary requirements to become employable but ensure that they engage in lifelong learning which will consequently guarantee that they will remain competitive in the labour market as the years go by.

The employment scenario is a dynamic and ever changing one. Workers need to remain competitive. It is not always easy to achieve work-life balance. To address these issues, governments in the EU have been committed at ensuring that all workers benefit from family friendly measures so as to be better able to achieve the said balance.

Further work still needs to be done so as to ensure that workers develop a sense of proactiveness and entrepreneurship even whilst they are employees so as to ensure that they perform as best as they can. Work gives a sense of identity to all and nobody can deny that human resources are indispensable. MCESD wishes all workers all the best on Workers’ Day.

MCESD 280/3, Republic Street, Valletta, VLT1112 Tel: (+356) 2200 3300 www.mcesd.org.mt VOICE OF THE

WORKERS

8

Workers’ Day in Europe 3rd International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) World Congress 18 - 23 May 2014 Berlin - Building Workers’ Power The website of the event, containing more information and documents, is available here: http://congress2014.ituc-csi.org/?lang=en

Cooperatives in Industry and Services urge EU Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs to invest in reindustrialisation and active inclusion in Europe.

- CECOP More information available on: http://www.cecop.coop/Cooperatives-in-Industry-and

Workers’ Memorial Day 28 April 2014 Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.

This year the theme is Protecting workers around the world through strong regulation, enforcement and union rights’ The Trades Union Congress (TUC) believes that we should use the day to highlight the need for strong regulation an national, european and global level.

International Workers’ Memorial Day 28th of April- Everywhere More information available here: http://www.hazards.org/wmd/index.htm

VOICE OF THE

WORKERS

9

PRESS RELEASE

EVENTS

Workers’s Day is celebrated throughout Europe, normally with events in member countries. May Day is not just celebrated on the day, but activities take place during the week before and after the date. These take the form of congresses of the main workers’ organisations, as well as Memorial day, which is celebrated on the 28th April. The information is collected by the Brussels office of the Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori.

Video

VOICE OF THE

WORKERS

www.voiceoftheworkers.eu Like us on Facebook for real-time updates

Operational Programme II - Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life Project part-financed by the European Union European Social Fund (ESF) Co-financing rate: 72.25% EU, 12.75 MT, 15% Private Funds Investing in your future VOICE OF THE

WORKERS

10