In a meeting held between the General Workers’ Union (GWU) and Member of Parliament and Government spokesperson on Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ray Abela, a strategic document was presented and discussed. This document addresses the crucial role of the union in the digital transformation and the use of AI in the workplace.
The plan includes clear goals focused on several pillars: strengthening professional training, reinforcing workers’ rights in the digital era, and creating an ethical framework for the use of AI at work.
During the discussion, Abela emphasized inclusive access to digital opportunities, modernizing union operations, and promoting new jobs in strategic sectors such as AI, the green economy, and logistics.
“The GWU is at the forefront of efforts for this transformation, which is already among us. We are facing various innovative challenges that affect our workers as they adapt to new systems. While it’s important to implement these innovations, we must also support workers in adapting,” said Secretary General Josef Bugeja.
He mentioned that among GWU’s strategies are upskilling and reskilling initiatives to help workers learn digital and technical skills, and redesigning job roles to incorporate AI.
Riccarda Darmanin, Secretary of the Professionals, Finance, and Services Section, said that GWU is promoting collaboration between humans and AI and encouraging the transition to new related roles. Currently, together with other countries, GWU is also contributing to a project on effective management of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
“I believe education is the key to everything, and we must ensure that training in new skills, especially technological and AI-related ones, becomes the foundation of Malta’s future. Our country needs investment in local talent to have strong workers and human resources,” emphasized Abela.
Dr. Patrick Camilleri, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education at the University of Malta specializing in Leadership for Learning, Digital Education, and Innovation, said he was proud and satisfied to be invited to such an important and unique meeting regarding our adoption and adaptation to Artificial Intelligence.
“As an academic specializing in digital transformation and AI, I acknowledge how the discussion developed and unfolded among all present. I tangibly realized how important it is not only to be reactive but increasingly proactive. We must plan holistically so that both economically and socially, we educate and prepare everyone for the changes brought by AI and autonomous technology,” said Dr. Camilleri.
He added that the importance of designing education, even for those already in the workforce, became clear. Beyond involving everyone, we must learn to recognize and discover new horizons that will undoubtedly help us live a more modern and better life.
Also present at the meeting were GWU Deputy Secretary General Kevin Camilleri, as well as Noel Abela and Paul Dalli, who accompanied and assisted MP Ray Abela.
