Union power in Malta : determinants and extent

Abstract

The dissertation explores the proposition that specific density in key sectors largely explains effective trade union power in Malta. It outlines the development and growth of unionism, focusing on the GWU and UHM, general unions representing 88% of organised Labour, with the younger UHM growing much faster. Measuring effective union density through a departure from established parameters, the study notes that the Maltese level is among the highest internationally. Yet Labour's relative GDP share has tended to fall, whether when the GWU was fused with the the Labour Party, or when the wage freeze was lifted by the Nationalist government. The study suggests an alternative explanation of union power lies in the GWU/UHM's organization of key workers in the economy, mainly in the port, including their deployment is sympathy actions, and in national campaigns, eg. opposition to VAT by the GWU. Effective union power comes not of the macro membership spread, but out of micro control "minority rule."