In a courtesy visit to the Workers’ Memorial Building, President Myriam Spiteri Debono
highlighted the pivotal role of the General Workers’ Union (GWU) in shaping Malta’s social and economic history. She emphasized that, even after 82 years of existence, the GWU continues to influence today’s politics and society.
President Spiteri Debono recalled how the GWU played a decisive role in organizing workers during a time when labor conditions were not yet recognized. She stressed the importance of remembering the union’s roots while continuing to strive for progress, advocating for collaboration between workers and employers to ensure a better quality of life.
The President also noted that the GWU served as a reference point for workers, particularly in an era when tertiary education was not widely accessible. She described the union as a training ground for leadership and a contributor to Malta’s democratic foundations in both society and the workplace.
She praised the shift from militant efforts to secure better working conditions to the
establishment of collective agreements, which now define labor relations. Additionally, the President commended the government’s proposed policies on third-country workers’ inclusion, calling for continued education on how the labor landscape has evolved.
GWU Secretary-General Josef Bugeja expressed gratitude to the President during the visit and discussed the union’s ongoing efforts, both in workplaces and internally. He emphasized the growing awareness among workers and the need for continuous preparation to address future challenges. Bugeja reiterated the union’s commitment to equal pay for men and women.
During the visit, President Spiteri Debono addressed the GWU National Council and was presented with a commemorative token to mark the occasion.
