Gibraltar’s three trade unions came together to send a “message of unity” as they shared the stage during this afternoon’s May Day rally.

The event took place at the Piazza and saw contributions from Unite, Gibraltar NASUWT, Action for Housing and the GGCA. There was no involvement from local politicians.

Christian Duo, the Branch Co-ordinating Official for Unite, opened the event by paying tribute to trade union historian and SDGG member Willy Serfaty who passed away yesterday. A minute’s silence was observed.

CAPTION: Manchester, the winners of Unite’s May Day tournament.

Victor Gonzalez of the teachers’ union Gibraltar NASUWT said it was an important day of unity for trade unions in Gibraltar. He added that his union fought for certain goals not out of self-interest but because they were positive and worthwhile aims.

He reminded the crowd that Gibraltar NASUWT would hold a demonstration tomorrow afternoon and that the union had been treated with “arrogance and disrespect” during its last meeting with the Chief Minister.

Alex Nuñez, the Chairperson of Unite’s Youth Committee, noted that it had been a successful year for trade unionism in Gibraltar and highlighted the demonstration on the 16^th January that saw 2,000 people take to the streets to protest against short-term contracts and the use of recruitment agencies. He called on all political parties to support apprenticeships and training.

Henry Pinna, from Action for Housing, argued that more government rental accommodation should be built.

He said there were still people in Gibraltar living in properties that were in a poor condition and that this was “an insult” in a nation that boasts about being rich and prosperous.  

Unite’s Regional Officer Victor Ochello, who is set to retire at the end of the month after 48 years of union involvement, said today’s rally sent an important “message of unity”.

Mr Ochello said union pressure had played a key role in Gibraltar’s political development but added that there was still work to do, particularly in the fight against temporary contracts. He commended the Government’s strategy on Brexit but warned that the demanding work relating to Gibraltar’s exit from the EU could not be used as an excuse to ignore other important topics that currently affect workers.

The GGCA President Wendy Cumming said that it was important to keep in mind the three main “evils” faced by unions and workers: privatization, the lack of consultation and the unfair distribution of wealth. She said that the lack of consultation often led to “unnecessary industrial action” and criticized last year’s public service pay cap.

Stuart Davies, Unite’s National Officer, said it was important that the three trade unions had come together to celebrate May Day. He said that Unite’s campaign to end “insecure work” in Gibraltar remained a priority this year and said the union would reject any “austerity” measures but welcomed the draft legislation for private sector pensions published this week by the Government. Mr Davies ended by warning against the rise of the far right - “The rhetoric of the right wing aims to divide us, but we need to remain united.”

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