New Secretary General for the General Workers’ Union with a modern and sustainable vision for the future

18 May 2026 - Economy | Home | News | Politics | Technology | Trade | World and Chronicle

The General Workers’ Union delegates today approved the appointments of Kevin Camilleri as the new Secretary General, Kevin Abela as Deputy Secretary General, and Robert Micallef as International Secretary during an Extraordinary Congress held at the Workers’ Memorial Building.

Kevin Camilleri presents a new vision for the future of the GWU

Addressing delegates and union officials for the first time as Secretary General, Kevin Camilleri outlined a vision centred on sustainability, modernisation and stronger engagement with union members.

During his speech, Camilleri paid tribute to former Secretary General Josef Bugeja, describing him as a mentor and someone who believed in him from his earliest days as a shop steward. He stated that under Bugeja’s leadership, the GWU achieved important milestones for workers, including platform work legislation, stronger family rights and the principle of “Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value”.

Camilleri said he is taking on this responsibility with humility and determination, while stressing that the future of the GWU must be built through collective work together with the Central Administration, Section Secretaries and all union representatives.

He explained how the world of work is rapidly changing due to digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and technological developments, insisting that the GWU must be a force that leads these changes rather than simply observing them.

The three pillars of the new vision

Camilleri explained that his vision is built on three main pillars:

• Sustainability – with a focus on creating a stronger and more diversified economic model for the union, investing in new services and initiatives, and increasing participation in national and European discussions on decent work and a just transition. He also announced plans to establish a dedicated office for European and local projects.
• Closer engagement with members – through digital modernisation, including the development of a mobile app for GWU members and the modernisation of Union Press to ensure the union’s content reaches wider audiences and younger generations.
• Training and continuous development – with investment in digital skills, the green economy, industrial relations, negotiations and the protection of workers’ rights.

Camilleri also announced that discussions will begin on the creation of a new section dedicated to the health sector, strengthening the GWU’s presence in this important field.

At the end of his address, he thanked his family, officials, Secretaries, delegates and all union members for their support, while reaffirming his commitment to building a stronger and more modern union together.

Josef Bugeja closes a 26-year chapter at GWU

In his final address as Secretary General, Josef Bugeja reflected on his 26-year journey within the workers’ movement.

In an emotional speech, he recalled his beginnings as a shop steward and stated that he always dedicated himself fully to workers with seriousness, integrity and loyalty towards the GWU.

Bugeja highlighted the work carried out to strengthen the union’s sections and workers’ representation, investment in training and education, and efforts aimed at improving working conditions and social justice.

He also referred to the COVID-19 pandemic and the struggle to safeguard the Workers’ Memorial Building as two defining moments during his leadership.

During the same address, he congratulated Kevin Camilleri on his appointment and expressed confidence in the future of the union and its new generation of leaders.

Kevin Abela reaffirms commitment towards a modern and united union

The new Deputy Secretary General Kevin Abela also addressed the Extraordinary Congress, emphasising the importance of continuity, renewal and collective work in favour of workers.

He described the Congress as a historic moment of serious and mature transition for the GWU, while paying tribute to Josef Bugeja and expressing confidence in Kevin Camilleri’s leadership.

Kevin Abela stated that the GWU must remain relevant in the face of challenges related to digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and remote working.

He also outlined his vision based on:

• the digital modernisation of the union,
• continuous training for representatives and workers,
• and the growth of the organisation through stronger international relations and greater presence in emerging sectors.

Jason Deguara stresses continuity and renewal

GWU President Jason Deguara described the day as a historic and emotional one for the union.

In his address, he praised Josef Bugeja’s leadership and highlighted among his greatest achievements the principle of “Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value” and the safeguarding of the Workers’ Memorial Building as the Worker’s Home.

Deguara said he is confident that under Kevin Camilleri’s leadership, the GWU will continue building on its strong foundations while embracing technological change and developments in the world of work.

He also welcomed Kevin Abela as Deputy Secretary General and Robert Micallef as International Secretary, stating that the new leadership possesses the energy, competence and vision required to strengthen the GWU both locally and internationally.

Robert Micallef pledges to strengthen the GWU’s international presence

Newly appointed International Secretary Robert Micallef reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the GWU’s international work and representation on behalf of Maltese and Gozitan workers.

He highlighted the union’s long-standing history within the international trade union movement and its role as a founding member of the ITUC, as well as its participation in organisations such as the ETUC, the ILO and the Commonwealth Trade Union Council.

Micallef stressed that in an increasingly globalised world affected by international crises, wars and economic challenges, international union work is becoming more important than ever.

He also reaffirmed that through his role within the European Economic and Social Committee, he will continue working to ensure that the GWU remains a strong voice for Maltese and Gozitan workers at both European and international level.