GWU meets Opposition to discuss Budget 2027

13 Oct 2026 - Economy | Home | News | Politics | Technology | Trade | World and Chronicle

The proposals submitted by the General Workers’ Union (GWU) for Budget 2027 go beyond the Budget itself. While promoting the responsible use of resources, they aim to ensure that the measures introduced benefit everyone, with particular attention to the different needs and circumstances of workers and families.

This was the main message conveyed by GWU Secretary General Kevin Camilleri during a meeting between the Union’s Administration and the Opposition to discuss Budget 2027, which is scheduled to be presented on 26 October.

Camilleri emphasised that the measures announced in the Budget should create added value for the country and contribute, step by step, towards achieving Vision Malta 2050. He maintained that the Budget should serve as a tool that not only addresses the immediate needs of workers and families but also prepares the country for future challenges.

In this context, the Secretary General discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with Artificial Intelligence, highlighting the importance of training and continuous skills development. This would ensure that technological advances translate into tangible benefits for workers, communities and the economy.

Camilleri also referred to the GWU’s proposals prioritising workers’ wellbeing and a better work-life balance. Among these, he mentioned the introduction of a pilot project for a 32-hour working week, supported by appropriate research and evaluation to assess its impact on workers and workplaces.

GWU Deputy Secretary General Kevin Abela stressed the need to continue working towards a better quality of life, give greater recognition to skilled trades and change the narrative surrounding foreign workers in Malta.

GWU President Jason Deguara emphasised the need for a national study on mental health, involving politicians, trade unions and all stakeholders who could contribute towards more effective support. He observed that the current situation indicates that more needs to be done in this area.

For his part, Leader of the Opposition Alex Borg highlighted the importance of consultation meetings of this nature. He maintained that the Budget should not be viewed merely as a means of distributing financial benefits, but should reflect a clear vision of the direction Malta should take in the coming years.

Borg agreed with the GWU’s position that the Budget should benefit everyone and noted several areas of common ground between the Union’s proposals and those of the Opposition. These included measures promoting a better balance between work and family life, remote working initiatives, workers’ skills development, access to affordable housing and a review of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) mechanism.

“There are many common elements and considerable synergy between our proposals. We believe that the Budget must reach as many people as possible and look beyond the next election towards future generations,” the Opposition Leader concluded.

GWU financial consultant Robert Borg was also present at the meeting.