Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela launched the opening of applications for the Worker of the Year 2020 Award, with the chosen theme: “Celebrating the Success of Our Workers”. Once again, this edition will be organised under the auspices of the President of Malta George Vella. This award is an important recognition where, amongst other things, the zeal of workers is rewarded.
In his speech, Minister Abela spoke about the government’s commitment to decent work and quality jobs. He noted the positive results that the government is achieving in the field of employment, including how in the latest unemployment statistics in the European Union, Malta was ranked first with the lowest unemployment rate amongst all eurozone countries and in third place amongst all European Union countries. In the Minister’s words, these are good results that this government is achieving in such difficult times not only for Europe but for the world. Thanks also goes to the other social partners for their commitment to work and the workers.
Speaking about the awards, he spoke about how through these awards the government is giving the possibility to recognise the achievements of all those who contributed to the success of our country, the organisations that work for or their own companies. “It is for this reason that I urge everyone to think about the last twelve months and to identify those people, businesses and organisations who feel that they should be considered to win one of the awards we are announcing,” the Minister said.
In this year’s edition, Minister Carmelo Abela said that there will be seven categories, with four of them being new categories that reflect the new realities of the world.
The seven categories this year are:
- Award of the Year for the Organisation that Operates and Promotes Measures in Favour of the Family 2020;
- Award of the Year for the Organization Promoting Sustainability and/or Social Responsibility 2020;
- Trade Union Representative of the Year 2020;
- Employer Representative of the Year 2020;
- Team of the Year 2020;
- Manager of the Year 2020;
- National Worker of the Year Award 2020.
In this edition, the award for best employer promoting family-friendly measures has been introduced. This award is an indication of the government’s commitment to continue to support families by recognising those employers who implement measures to help their employees balance their obligations to the family and to their employers.
Another category introduced this year is the award for the best organization that promotes sustainability and/or social responsibility. Two awards have also been introduced aimed at recognising the contribution of the social partners. One of the awards recognises employers and the other recognises the contribution made by workers representatives.
More information on the application process can be obtained from the website: www.msd.gov.mt
