Leo Olivero
We should stand shoulder-to-shoulder as a nation, not as a Union or Political Party member

Brexit the highly complex, uncertain and hugely divisive ‘national issue’ has been put aside or ignored. Judging by the many local heads still getting over the new year celebrations it seems, with fuzzy thoughts that have been transformed into making, saying and doing all manner of out of context decisions that fall short of any national sense of perspective. 

Certainly considering the life changing times and potentially, the once in a lifetime journey we shall all be taking as a nation as we enter an historical and landmark period of our lives!

For Now - Shoulder to Shoulder as a Nation and Not as Members of a Union

Already and only into the second week of the year ‘Unite the Union’ has decided to take a stand against the exploitation of workers, including the lack of suitable apprenticeships and also to the exploitation of agency workers.

Few would disagree with the sentiments expressed by Unite regarding issues that have been going on for some years. I am also sure that that calls from the Union for people to attend the planned demonstration next week and to ‘stand to shoulder to shoulder’ with them and workers to voice without fear for the right of workers to secure jobs and to be treated fairly is admirable one, that most people would agree with.

But taking the present, and only real national issue of Brexit into perspective, because it directly affects every living sole in Gibraltar and will do for generations. Is this the right time for the Unions as worthy as their cause is, to race out of the New Year traps with great speed, energy, and intensity? With Unite making urgent demands on the Government, during a critical stage, profoundly engaged in preparing Gibraltar for a no deal Brexit and all that entails. Like paving the way for the unlikely scenario of implementing the agreed withdrawal Brexit agreement, which is hugely politically demanding, whatever happens?

FULL REPORT in Panorama paper edition

14-01-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR