VALLETTA – During the Quadrennial Conference of the Maritime and Aviation
Section within the General Workers’ Union (GWU), Jurgen Azzopardi was officially
confirmed as Section Secretary. Alongside his confirmation, a new Executive
Committee was also appointed to serve for the next four years.
In comments to this newspaper, Secretary Azzopardi expressed his enthusiasm for
continuing the work with the newly appointed executive team. He emphasized that
this marks a continuation of the renewal process within the section, building on the
solid foundation laid in previous years.
Azzopardi extended his gratitude to the GWU administration for their ongoing
support, as well as to all the section secretaries, delegates, and workers who have
consistently offered their assistance.
Closing the conference, GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja highlighted the
union’s dynamic nature, stating that the GWU is a living entity that must continuously
evolve to meet the changing demands of the modern workplace.
“We must understand how, as a union, we can meet people’s aspirations while
defending the achievements gained over time,” Bugeja said. He stressed the
importance of involving younger secretaries as part of the union’s renewal strategy.
“The role of the Secretary is to engage with members, rally workers, address their
needs, defend their rights, and lead—but this cannot be done alone,” Bugeja added.
“We reflect the workers we represent. Everything we’ve built is thanks to their efforts.
The greatest stakeholder is the member. It is the worker who benefits in the long run,
and that’s how we safeguard jobs.”
He also underlined the importance of maintaining close contact with workers, noting
the indispensable role of worker representatives in driving the section forward.
“Everyone’s contribution is essential—that’s what makes a union. The Secretary
leads but needs a team around him. Together with the workers, we can reach
remarkable agreements. Our achievements are made possible by our strength in
numbers,” Bugeja concluded, while wishing Secretary Azzopardi and the entire
executive team continued success in their work for the benefit of workers.
