The annual event of the Workers of the Year National Awards 2021, organised by the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister under the distinguished patronage of the President of Malta, honoured six individuals, three organisations, and a team.
Addressing the ceremony, with this year’s theme being ‘Nirrikonoxxu s-Sehem tal-Ħaddiema Tagħna’ (Acknowledging our Workers’ Contribution), President of Malta George Vella recalled the various challenges and repercussions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic at the workplace and for entrepreneurs. He explained that studies have shown that instability and a sense of uncertainty reflect directly, and often negatively, on the productivity and health of workers. He therefore urged the community and the authorities concerned to ensure that workers’ rights are protected and considered as a priority for national employment policies.
The President expressed his appreciation for the fact that the awards are paying attention to companies or individuals whose work has been instrumental in the collective efforts towards greater sustainability and an inclusive society. He praised the commitment of the people of Malta and Gozo and said that we should be proud that, despite all the challenges, our country still looks ahead and continues to invest in its most fundamental and precious resource: human resource. In this spirit, the President congratulated all this year’s nominees and winners who, throughout the year, do their utmost when carrying out their duties. “Today’s gathering is a very special one, not only because we are presenting several awards, but also because above all we are celebrating the hard work and the important role of work in human life. I therefore would like to thank Minister Abela for this initiative, which every year continues to reward the work of many people in Malta,” said the President.
For his part, the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela said that the aim of the Government is to continue to incentivise hard work and is therefore working to focus its energy on developing decent work and quality jobs. He mentioned how the Budget for the year 2022 is introducing measures that will further increase the productivity of the country while further encouraging workers. The Minister thanked business owners who, despite the challenges of the pandemic, continued to do everything possible to keep the workers working and thus safeguard the livelihoods of their families. He said that, as a people and as a country, we are addressing the pandemic challenge wisely, businesses are recovering, the economy is strong and resilient, and unemployment is low. He called on the government, workers, and employers to stand together to face the challenges that lie ahead.
While stating that the Government strongly believes in a strong and effective social dialogue, the Minister described the year 2022 as another busy year, during which, among other things, the work related to the Work-Life Balance Directive, platform workers, minimum wage, and wage transparency, as well as the revision of the Labour Law, will continue. He thanked all the nominees for their work in the society and stressed that the work of every worker is important. He also thanked all the nominators who took the initiative to nominate people, organisations, or teams for this Award.
This year’s winners of the Worker of the Year National Awards 2021 are:
- National Worker of the Year Award – Roseanne Camilleri
- Manager/Head of the Year – Emanuel Psaila
- Team of the Year – Community Policing – Malta Police Force
- Award for the best Male Entrepreneur – Mario Gauci
- Award for the best Female Entrepreneur – Angele Azzopardi
- Award for the most Inspiring Youth Leader – Liana Bonnici
- Award for the most Inclusive Organisation – SportMalta
- Award for the Organisation which promotes the right Environment, Benefits, and Working Conditions for Parents – Erremme Business Advisors
- Award for the most Sustainable Company – Angelo Aquilina Ltd
- Award given by the Minister – Claudine Ellul Sullivan
