GWU declares Industrial Dispute at Dar Emmaus

6 Oct 2026 - Government, Public Entities and Health | Home | News | Sections

Union issues directives to care staff and insists that employees should not be assigned duties outside their job description

The Government, Public Entities and Health Section within the General Workers’ Union (GWU) has formally declared an Industrial Dispute at Dar Emmaus after developments that, in the Union’s view, contradict the understanding the parties reached during a meeting in Xewkija on 15 September 2026.

Following that meeting, the GWU left with the clear understanding that no employees would be terminated. In fact, prior to the meeting, the decision concerning the termination of two employees had been reconsidered, and the termination letters issued were revoked.

The GWU therefore expresses its disappointment and serious concern at the subsequent decision taken, which the Union considers to be in direct contradiction with the understanding reached between the parties.

Following the meeting of 15 September, the GWU was under the clear impression that there was a genuine willingness to move forward and continue discussions towards the negotiation of a new Collective Agreement. Indeed, the Union was already in the process of preparing a draft proposal aimed at facilitating constructive dialogue.

However, in view of the current situation, and particularly because duties traditionally carried out by security staff are now being assigned to care staff, the GWU has been left with no alternative but to formally declare an Industrial Dispute.

With immediate effect, the GWU has directed care staff not to perform duties that fall outside their job description.

The GWU firmly maintains that employees should not be required to undertake responsibilities for which they were neither engaged nor trained.

The Industrial Dispute is also being formally registered with the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER).

The GWU reserves the right to issue further directives and escalate industrial actions should the situation remain unresolved.

The Union deeply regrets that matters have reached this stage, particularly following the positive discussions held on 15 September. Nevertheless, the GWU remains convinced that meaningful dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to understandings reached between the parties are the only constructive way forward.

The GWU remains available for discussions aimed at resolving this dispute in a fair and reasonable manner.