Shortly after being recruited by the General Workers’ Union as a specialist on third country nationals, TERRY GOSDEN speaks about xenophobia, integration and the union’s drive to promote membership among Malta’s immigrant population
When, last September, GWU secretary-general Tony Zarb presented a policy document outlining principals on equal treatment for third country nationals, he said that immigrant workers had become “a national scourge for our country”.
In the same breath, Zarb pledged he would train his section secretaries on how best to handle Malta’s immigration issues. True to his word, he shortly afterwards took on former Marsa Open Centre manager Terry Gosden as the union’s Third Country National Specialist.
“But even prior to the policy document laid out by the union in September, there was no ban on third country nationals joining the GWU, and in fact – there was already a history of such nationals joining,” Gosden starts. “However, the GWU still decided to make a public statement on this – which I think is both progressive and forward-thinking.”
Before coming to live in Malta 12 years ago, Gosden worked in the UK both as a resident social worker as well as a trade unionist.
Throughout the late 1990s up until recently, Gosden spearheaded the opening of a number of homeless shelters in Malta while working for Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem: the organisation contracted by government to run the Marsa Open Centre.
With Gosden on board, the GWU has now clearly benefited from an influx of third country nationals joining as new members.
“Our recruitment drive is across the board, not just with third country nationals,” Gosden clarified. “But we are now recognising that there is a new generation of people making up a new working class in Malta, who – because of their precarious position – are more in danger of being exploited and therefore require protection. Having studied the situation in Malta carefully, the GWU looked at the historical patterns in the EU and elsewhere to realise that having an unregulated workforce will undermine an existing workforce, and therefore also unions.”
Although it may have considered it, the union decided against forming a specific section for third country nationals.
“The union did not want to partake in divisive tactics,” Gosden explained. “All third country nationals joining are assimilated into existing structures, and this has the effect of creating dialogue and interaction. I can be called on to mediate between members and the union if required, and to supply specific information regarding countries of origin. This will normally involve the provision of information on cultural differences and norms, and also organise translations as required.”
We have often heard the words ‘crisis’, ‘invasion’ and ‘scourge’ to describe the influx of irregular immigrants to Malta. Do we exaggerate?
“The short reply would be yes,” he said. “I’ve worked with thousands of asylum seekers over the past four and a half years. Most of those wanting to leave have either returned to their country of origin or elsewhere – be it legally or otherwise. Most would travel to France or England, or with some exceptions to Germany, Norway or the US.”
Gosden claims that the majority would already have family members of friends living abroad, who send money to Malta for immigrants to continue their journey.
“This happens much more often than we think,” Gosden claimed. “I think some people are calling the current situation an invasion because they have the wrong information. I think we are failing to inform the public in a simple and logical format.”
Gosden attributes the lack of information to the scarcity of specialists in the field. The few there are, would often be far too busy carrying out their direct duties to spend time educating the public at large.
“Also, one has to understand that it is a very new area to work in,” he said. “Even at university, lecturers are struggling to come to terms with educating students who aspire to work in this field. There is an extreme learning curve on all sides. Even for myself, having come from such a multicultural city as London, I found the experience of running an open centre a harsh learning curve, although at the same time I felt privileged to be in the vanguard.”
The union had a noticeable surge in membership since it has been advertising what it offers to third country nationals.
“There have been many more enquiries for membership, training courses and general information,” Gosden confirmed. “Once people become aware of the benefits of joining, they often just turn up with the membership money to join. I am frequently called for meetings within various immigrant groups to describe in detail, what exactly the union can or cannot do. This is then discussed among such groups, and a trickle of membership would invariably follow – with members hailing from different countries of origin.”
Asked if this strategy is part of an attempt to brand the union as ‘third country national friendly’, Gosden said that it would be incorrect to label the union as such.
“The GWU is in existence to protect workers’ rights, and it stands for any form of discrimination,” he said. “It then becomes automatic that a forward thinking, progressive union protects workers regardless of their age, identity, skin colour, sexual orientation, religious belief or disability. These are the traditional pillars of the trade union movement, and I am very pleased that the GWU stands by this ideal.”
Although he does not deal with employers directly, Gosden said he is receiving very positive feedback on how private companies in Malta are responding to the new supply of the idle workforce made up of third country nationals.
“Usually, an employer is primarily interested in the productivity of its workers,” he said. “Historically, first generation immigrants into any country turn out to be extremely productive.”
Gosden was also positive on how immigrants are integrating in Malta, especially in the place of work.
“I think that integration in Malta is being led by the migrants themselves,” he said. “They live in communities and even by purchasing everyday goods, they become consumers and get in contact with people, neighbourhoods and communities. They take part in community activities at churches or mosques, and therefore, create for themselves a network within the Maltese community. This way, they are judged on their abilities, honesty and integrity. This is how integration occurs.”
Gosden is not of the opinion that there should be too many government initiatives aimed at managing integration better.
“To my knowledge, managed integration is only effective up to a point. Forty years ago, I saw how London handled its integration process, and tremendous mistakes were made. There were racist murders and extreme difficulties were placed on third country nationals. The real integration in the UK took place on a peer-to-peer, company-to-company level, by means of education. There was a gradual shift from the rejectionist thinking of the indigenous population, to an acceptance of change and a better understanding of the wider issues affecting the world, both historically and politically.”
On whether working conditions for third country nationals tend to be poorer than those of their Maltese counterparts, Gosden said that “this generally depends on the employer concerned”.
“Some employers are extremely good and I applaud the way they treat staff equally – both in terms of pay as well as conditions,” he said. “This is a growing trend, not a diminishing one. If you had to ask the same question two years ago, I would have been very apprehensive on this issue.”
People, though, seem to be scared that foreigners in Malta are taking jobs away from the indigenous population. Is the fear justified?
“There are a number of things I don’t understand in the economic workings of the labour market in Malta, but prior to the economic downturn, there were no indications of employment in Malta being affected by third country nationals – both in terms of legal and illegal employment. So the fears some people expressed and are still expressing make no sense when compared to figures.”
Some employers would argue that since first generation third country nationals tend to lack in-depth language skills – and have less experience than their local counterparts in the local working culture – then such nationals tend to be less productive and are therefore worth lower salary rates. But Gosden disagrees with this way of reasoning.
“Third country nationals are more in danger of being exploited – as in some cases they are, and are sometimes treated less favourably than the indigenous population,” he said. “If this is allowed to continue, there will be an effect on Maltese workers. Regulating irregular work and workers should be a priority for all parties concerned. Once regularisation takes place, all parties stand to win. Government starts making more money on taxes, Maltese workers will have the opportunity to be employed on a level playing field, and third country nationals would be less prone to exploitation.
“I would not say third country nationals are worth less than others. Remember that somebody who worked in other countries can bring new experiences. They can also adapt, and with the right ingredients, there is potential for one to bring more value to the business where he or she works. This is really down to the employer, but in no way should rates be changed for third country nationals.”
Asked pointed blank whether he thinks of Malta as a racist country, Gosden said: “There are some racists here, but I believe that the majority are more xenophobic than racists. The lack of knowledge leads to fears which can be either true or untrue – but without facts. This way, a general mythology would arise, which if left unchallenged or unexplained becomes a new reality.
“In the last 15 or 20 years, massive social changes took place throughout the world, as well as in Malta. With information and communication technology nowadays, we have the ability to learn from a PhD graduate on Discovery Channel for a whole hour. Our horizons are now broader and our expectations higher. Mentalities have changed from ones of clinging to traditional jobs for life to the alteration of one or two year contracts or self-employed. Family structures have changed from extended to nuclear models. There are more women than men at university nowadays, and female expectations have now changed from subservient to equal. With all this change, society is gripped by fear and uncertainty.
“This, compounded with the fact that a minority – small but visible – of immigrants behave badly. Then the situation becomes understandable, although never condonable. What is happening is that entire populations are being blamed, and these at times struggle to retain self-confidence, self-belief and stability.”
Gosden is however certain “that political efforts between the EU and third countries will start allowing greater freedom of movement from the Maltese islands”.
“At the same time, a number of people will stay here, and we as a nation have to not so much accept integration but allow it to happen naturally,” he said, “We should have open minds not to block this change. Issues should be well explained and digested. Whenever a big change takes place, it is very important that the people’s need for information is met. The public needs to know what’s coming on. Some may not like it, but at least, good information will allow us to make informed choices. Malta has a tradition of being open, welcoming and friendly. The new challenge is that the world is caught up with Malta. It’s in our generation’s hands now. What we do today will reflect on how future generations in Malta will live tomorrow.”
The discussion has now entered the political arena. Populists in the political class have now started using tones and sharing certain views which may further fuel xenophobia rather than hinder it. Gosden however, has a different interpretation to this.
“I think it’s very healthy that the issue is being discussed in politics,” he said. “I think it is reassuring to the public that there are active considerations taking place and that solutions are being sought. The perception that things were not being dealt with has now been altered. This may polarise thinking in some areas, but in my view, it still is a positive development.”
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