GWU commemorates 68th anniversary of the 1958 general strike

28 Apr 2026 - Economy | Home | News | Politics | Technology | Trade | World and Chronicle

The General Workers’ Union (GWU) today commemorated the 68th anniversary of the historic general strike of 28 April 1958 through a flower-laying ceremony held beside the monument in Paola Square dedicated to the workers who were arrested and imprisoned during the events of that period.

Present for the ceremony were GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja, Secretary General (Designate) Kevin Camilleri and Deputy Secretary General Kevin Abela.

Also present was Alfred Galea, one of the workers who was assaulted and arrested during the unrest that took place 68 years ago.

Addressing those present, Secretary General Josef Bugeja recalled how Maltese workers had united under the directives of the GWU in their fight for equal rights and working conditions with British workers employed at the time.

Bugeja stated that many consider the events of 28 April 1958 as a defining moment that helped ignite Malta’s journey towards Independence, Republic status and Freedom Day.

“Every year we pay tribute to these pioneers whose courage and sacrifice contributed to the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Maltese society today,” he said.

The GWU reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the memory of those workers who played a crucial role in Malta’s social and political development.