Update 2 | Bencini’s resignation ‘nothing to do’ with political activity

Former MUT president and FORUM president John Bencini has called it a day in trade unionism after serving for 35 years.

Speaking to MaltaToday, Bencini insisted that his decision to resign from the post as president of the 11-union confederation had nothing to do with a political activity he attended in Qormi in which he spoke about education.

According to reports, Bencini "breached" Forum's statute when he took part in an activity organised by Labour MP Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

Bencini, a teacher by profession, said that statements that his resignation had anything to do with the activity he attended was "typical spin".

"I had already informed the secretary general of Forum last year that I would be resigning by the end of December [2012]. In mid-December I received an invitation to speak during an activity scheduled for this month organised by [Labour MP] Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

"Since I expected that I would have already resigned from my post as president, I accepted the invitation."

Bencini went on to add that he extended his resignation date to 31 January, because he was then asked to represent Forum abroad in January.

"At the same time I thought it wouldn't be fair to cancel my commitment at the last minute... even though I didn't see a problem in attending the Qormi activity since I made it clear that I would not be representing Forum and what I spoke about was purely on education matters," he said, adding that one of the speakers included Profs Karl Borg.

Bencini added that he decided "a long time ago" to call it a day in trade unionism.

"I am leaving today instead of the end of the months because I can't stand all this hypocrisy. Yesterday I didn't speak about politics but about the education opportunities in Malta."

He went on to say that yesterday, the Union Haddiema Maghqudin attended a political activity in which Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was present. Gonzi, Bencini added, said that the UHM were not a political union.

"Yet, they are accusing me of being political. I am not surprised by this attitude because I am used to being attacked for calling a spade a spade."

Under Bencini's leadership, Forum became a member of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development and the Employment Regulations board while also being represented in other EU and Maltese fora.

In his resignation letter, sent to the press by Forum, Bencini wrote: "After very careful consideration, I believe it is now time for me to step down from Forum President after 32 years of my life dedicated to Trade Unionism."  

He also pointed out that during the past few years Forum had achieved a lot and managed to reach almost all of its objectives.

"I humbly feel I have given more than enough and have tried to always give my utmost for the welfare and benefit of the workers we represent. I will miss your company and collaboration,  however,  do not hesitate to contact me whenever you might need any advice. My decision to call it a day is final and irrevocable," Bencini wrote.