GWU meets with the Speaker of the Maltese Parliament

15 Oct 2026 - Home | News

“Despite the various challenges facing trade union membership internationally, the General Workers’ Union (GWU) has registered a substantial increase in new members over the past two years. In fact, the membership target that the Union had set for the end of 2026 was already achieved during the first six months of the year.”

This was announced by GWU Secretary General Kevin Camilleri during a courtesy visit by a Union delegation to the Speaker of the Maltese Parliament, Hon. Carmelo Abela.

During the meeting, Camilleri provided an overview of the GWU’s structure, its ongoing work and its priorities for the coming years. He emphasised that the increase in membership reflects the continued trust that workers place in the Union.

The Secretary General also spoke about the rapid changes taking place in the world of work and recalled the role played by Carmelo Abela in raising the issue of the right of members of the disciplined forces to join a trade union. He noted that this represented an important step forward in industrial relations, contributing to improvements in the wages and working conditions of these employees.

Referring to the GWU’s proposals for Budget 2027, Camilleri stressed that the Budget should serve as another step towards achieving Malta Vision 2050, through measures aimed at improving the quality of life of workers and their families.

The discussion also addressed several areas that the GWU considers priorities, including mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, work-life balance, the right to disconnect and opportunities for European funding to support new Union projects.

For his part, Speaker Carmelo Abela acknowledged the important contribution of trade unions to society and emphasised the need to continue strengthening workers’ rights. He also referred to the climate of industrial peace that Malta has enjoyed in recent years, during which several collective agreements have been concluded, resulting in improved working conditions.

The Speaker also commended the GWU’s commitment to protecting foreign workers, stressing that decent wages and working conditions should be guaranteed for everyone. He observed that safeguarding the rights of foreign workers is also essential to ensuring that the working conditions of Maltese employees are not undermined.

Abela also spoke about the importance of mutual respect in parliamentary debate and the need for Parliament to continue strengthening its connection with citizens through initiatives involving communities, schools and institutions, as well as through social media.

The GWU delegation consisted of Secretary General Kevin Camilleri, President Jason Deguara, Deputy Secretary General Kevin Abela, Secretary of the Government, Public Entities and Health Section Kendrick Bondin, International Secretary Robert Micallef, and Assistant Secretary of the Professionals, Finance and Services Section Cynthia Schembri.