The late but never forgotten Tony Zarb was born 70 years ago today, a
man who was loved by all and whose exemplary character found a place
in every person who came to him for help. Zarb was described by many
as a soldier of steel and a man who loved Malta, the GWU and the Labour
Party, but above all he was a worker.
Throughout his life he campaigned tirelessly for labour rights. He would
do anything to ensure that the worker had a better quality of life and that
he received the respect and recognition he deserved for the work he did
to earn his daily bread. He did all this without any personal ulterior
motives, regardless of whether he agreed with the government of the day
or not.
He left this world on 29 May 2022 at the age of 68. The news of his death
triggered a reaction in the country. This shows how much Tony Zarb was
loved by all. With the death of Zarb, Malta lost a giant of society and an
important pillar, especially in the history of the local trade union
movement. A number of people paid their last respects to Zarb.
Zarb had more than 42 years of experience in the trade union field. He
held various positions within the GWU, from committee member to shop
steward for Blue Bell workers. Tony was both a delegate and a member of
the Executive in the Textiles Section. For the last 38 years, Zarb has also
been a member of the National Council.
In 1985 he became a full-time representative of the union and two years
later was appointed Secretary of the Port and Transport Section. In 1997,
he was elected deputy general secretary. Just two years later, he was
appointed General Secretary, a position he held for 16 years. In the
meantime, Tony Zarb was also Secretary of the GWU – Pensioners Union
