Another sign of trust in the GWU from foreign workers in the hospitality sector

20 Aug 2026 - Home | Hospitality and Food | News | Sections

Nepalese Chef Society Malta joins the General Workers’ Union

The Hospitality and Food Section of the General Workers’ Union (GWU) has welcomed the Nepalese Chef Society Malta into its fold, following an agreement that will lead to closer collaboration between the two organisations for the benefit of Nepalese workers and professionals in Malta’s hospitality sector.

The Nepalese Chef Society Malta is a registered association in Malta that brings together Nepalese chefs and culinary professionals working in hotels, restaurants and other establishments within the hospitality industry. The Association was established with the aim of bringing Nepalese chefs together, promoting Nepalese culture and cuisine in Malta, and creating a professional community that provides support to its members.

Brian Bonnici, Secretary of the GWU Hospitality and Food Section, expressed his satisfaction at this development, saying that the Association’s decision to move closer to the GWU is another sign of the trust that the Union continues to build among foreign workers in Malta, including third-country nationals (TCNs).

“This trust does not happen by itself. It is built through serious, consistent and persistent work in support of workers. We are pleased that the Nepalese Chef Society Malta sees the GWU as a shield for its workers, as well as a source of support, guidance and representation,” Bonnici said.

He added that the GWU will continue working to strengthen its presence among foreign workers and help them understand and defend their rights at the workplace.

Sundar Ghimire, Senior Vice President of the Nepalese Chef Society Malta, said that the Association’s decision to join the GWU was not taken solely to enable its members to benefit from the Union’s professional experience in protecting workers’ rights, but also to create broader collaboration and strengthen the presence of the Nepalese professional community within Maltese society.

He explained that membership in the GWU should help the Association organise itself more effectively and continue pursuing its objectives, including providing support and guidance to members, creating professional networking opportunities and encouraging the sharing of knowledge among Nepalese chefs and workers in the hospitality sector.

“We believe in the professionalism and work of the GWU. From our very first communication with the Union, we felt welcomed and that we were working with a serious and well-organised organisation made up of dedicated people who are ready to listen, understand and act. We thank the GWU representatives for the support and availability they showed us from the very first day,” Ghimire said.

During a meeting held at the Workers’ Memorial Building between representatives of the GWU and the Nepalese Chef Society Malta, Bonnici stressed the importance of maintaining continuous contact between the two organisations and working together to support Nepalese professionals, including young people who come to Malta to build their careers.

“It is our duty to support initiatives that help workers understand their rights and responsibilities while they are in our country. At the same time, we have an obligation not to tolerate any form of abuse or exploitation. We want these workers to feel that they are part of the Maltese community,” Bonnici said.

Ghimire said that the way the Association’s members were welcomed and listened to by the GWU had earned their respect and appreciation. He expressed confidence that the GWU’s guidance, cooperation and continued support will be valuable to Nepalese workers and professionals in Malta’s hospitality sector.

He also encouraged more chefs and hospitality workers to come together and, through the GWU, strengthen their knowledge of workplace rights and become active members of the wider workers’ community.

At the end of the meeting, Bonnici emphasised the importance of solidarity both at the workplace and within the community.

“When we come together, support one another and share our knowledge, we can build a stronger future for everyone. Different cultures should be a source of enrichment for our society, not division. It is important that we understand one another, respect our differences and work together,” Bonnici concluded.

Also present at the meeting was Manav Sanger, the GWU representative for TCNs in Malta, who is working to strengthen links between the GWU and foreign worker communities in Malta.