Maltese trade unions (3) : the setting up of a trade union council

Abstract

In April 1921, Malta was granted a new Constitution which gave the Maltese a say in the running of their own affairs. The Constitution provided for a bicameral form of Government. This consisted of a Legislative Assembly made up of thirty-two elected members, and a Senate consisting of seventeen members. Of the latter, seven were to be general members, while the remaining ten were to represent the Nobility, the Clergy, the Chamber of Commerce, the Graduates and the Trade Union Council. The inclusion of the last mentioned organisation was interesting in that no such body existed. Henceforth, the T.U.C. was from its very inception surrounded by uncertainty which was to last throughout its existence. The T. U .C. was also important because it was responsible for the closer relationship which ensued between the trade unions and the Labour Party.