The General Workers’ Union (GWU) and the Labour Party commemorated the 67th
anniversary of the historic general strike of April 28, 1958. As is tradition, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the monument in Paola Square, honouring the “heroes” who were arrested and imprisoned during the strike.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Robert Abela, members of the Labour Party administration, GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja, Deputy Secretary General Kevin Camilleri, GWU President Victor Carachi, and other union officials.
During the event, the bravery of Maltese workers who, 67 years ago, initiated the journey toward Malta’s political, economic, and social liberation was celebrated. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the call for independence from Great Britain, and the anniversary serves as a tribute to the protagonists of a free Malta.
The strike was called following a decision by the GWU National Council during a meeting on April 25, 1958. Three days later, the strike paralysed the nation as workers and youth demonstrated remarkable determination and fearlessness, protesting across Malta with unwavering militancy.
To ensure this historic event remains remembered, the GWU unveiled the monument in Paola Square on April 28, 2015, one of the sites where riots had taken place.
In comments to this newspaper, GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja described the strike as the beginning of Malta’s workers’ movement, emphasizing that the sole demand was for Maltese workers to enjoy the same conditions as their British counterparts. He highlighted the extraordinary resolve of workers who, despite the lack of communication tools, were driven by their need for dignity and recognition.
