President of Malta George Vella said that as a community we must not forget those among us who, despite their hard work, and through no fault of their own, unfortunately lost their jobs due to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Let us continue to work together, as a united country, so that all those who lost their job can find employment as soon as possible, find their place back in the work force, and enjoy once again the dignity that work gives”, the President appealed while addressing a ceremony held under his auspices by the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela, and during which the winners of the National Workers of the Year Awards 2020 were announced.
The President thanked the authorities concerned and the employers for ensuring, in these extraordinary circumstances, to protect all their workers in accordance with the advice of the health authorities, including by using telework where possible. He also expressed great appreciation for the fact that trade unions and employers’ associations are also being recognised. “Through your efforts as trade unions, you ensure to maintain a balance between the rights and duties of every worker so that we can increase work which gives value to the whole society, and to maintain industrial peace, as this is necessary to attract new investment”, stated the President. “I also appreciate the fact that, despite going through difficult times, you have continued to embrace the importance of family-friendly measures as well as sustainability and social responsibility measures: two elements that have also been rewarded today. This is fair and appropriate, as it ensures that the workers are not seen as numbers or part of machinery but as whole individuals with all the dignity they deserve. The benefits of such measures and of this pro-worker policy have a positive impact, both on the health of individuals and on their productivity in the workplace.”
The President encouraged employers to continue investing in the most important resource that our country has to offer: the worker. He called for the continued recognition of those workers who, daily and without seeking any recognition, add value to their work while introducing new practices in order to improve the quality of their work.
The President congratulated Ms Rodry Ann Maria Celeste on winning the main award as the Worker of the Year 2020. He said that the fact that she was nominated and won means that, as a worker, she showed that she has good qualities which not only show her abilities on a professional level but also on a personal level. In this spirit, he also acknowledged all those who had been nominated and who also do their best, without interest or expectation of recognition, while carrying out their duties.
Photo: OPR
