Updated | Forum 'still the underdog’, requests urgent meeting with OPM

Forum Unions Maltin was being discriminated against by the new Government in financial terms and was not being allowed to contribute on various Government boards, according to president Paul Pace.

"It is clear that under the new Labour Government, FOR.U.M has been left unrepresented on important Government entities, such as the Employers Relations Board, the Occupational Health and Safety Board and the Gozo Regional Committee," the 11-union confederation said in a statement.

"Such boards fall under the direct responsibility of the Government and FOR.U.M has no representative appointed and therefore it cannot contribute on an equal footing with other confederations in the county."

FOR.U.M said the discriminatory treatment meted out by the previous administration was now being perpetrated by the new Government.

It said it never received any financial assistance like the MEA, UHM, GRTU and GWU, which were receiving €58,000 every year.

"Unfortunately, this discriminatory treatment is persisting under the new administration," the confederation said.

FOR.U.M said that, like the GWU, it had been instrumental in voicing the people's concern and protest against the exaggerated utility tariffs under the PN administration.

"Now were are being denied its right and duty to represent our affiliates' members, at par with other confederations, and contribute in important local boards and entities. To add insult to injury, FOR.UM is also being precluded from participating in official European entities through the lack of proper funding by Government, unlike the other confederations."

FOR.U.M said it was still being treated as an underdog when compared to other confederations who retain a privileged position - "literally, all financial and representations on various boards go to these other Confederations and organizations".

"FOR.U.M had expected a much better working relationship and recognition from the Labour Government," it declared.

It urged government to take appropriate action in order to remedy the discrimination against FOR.UM and once and for all ensure that the representative voice of thousands of workers is given its due importance and recognition.

"Within this context, FOR.UM is appealing and requesting an urgent meeting with the office of the Prime Minister as to clarify the position of FOR.U.M in this country and to see the way forward in the relationship between FOR.U.M and the new Government."

Ministry's reaction

"Nominations on the ERB are submitted by unions through MCESD and discussed at MCESD level. Government has nothing to do with the nominations. Forum has nominated a person on the ERB but immediately asked MCESD chairman to keep the nomination on hold until it has been confirmed. This request was made in July of this year and to date forum has failed nominate a representative.

"Mr Pace is aware that GRC was discussing forum's membership on the committee. This ministry has been copied in correspondence dated October 1st showing the GRC has accepted forum's request to be represented on the regional committee.

"On the Civil Society Funds, Mr Paul Pace is aware that such funds are paid after a request providing specific documentation (such as invoices and membership fees) are presented to Meusac. To date, MEUSAC has received no such request."