An agreement has been signed between the Government and the General Workers’ Union regarding the construction of the Workers’ Memorial Building to ensure the continued voice of workers. The agreement, the result of a resolution approved by a vote in favour by the Government, was signed between the Lands Authority and the management and representative of the union.
The agreement will ensure the future sustainability of the union with fairness to the State where the GWU will be paying almost €2 million as established by an independent expert and using the building areas without previous restrictions. This after years of uncertainty from a court case opened by the Opposition.
In a speech he made before the signing of the agreement, Prime Minister Robert Abela described this important agreement as one that continues to give stability to the GWU, which in a history of over 80 years has worked in favour of social work and the advancement of the Maltese worker. He said that there is no doubt that among the progressive voices that spurred change in our country was the GWU where, with its strong contribution, workers had great achievements.
Dr Abela described the union as one that has always spoken for all workers. “The country is grateful to you and we wanted to continue supporting you with a fair agreement also with the State”, remarked the Prime Minister, who explained how the GWU still has more to do in favour of the voice of workers. He said that in the industrial relations cycle we must continue to maintain an open dialogue because after each agreement we must continue to work together and talk to seal future ones.
Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the main principles remain that of work that gives dignity and with a decent income for workers. The Prime Minister said that in favour of workers we will continue to bring important changes and therefore our country will now have a Malta Labour Migration Policy that recognises the dignity of workers.
Minister for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that he believes in strengthening trade union work in our country. “This agreement was possible thanks to the work of the Land Authority to find a fair and adequate solution. The GWU, since its establishment, has been at the forefront in protecting workers’ rights. The signing of this contract confirms the Government’s position that GWU should continue to work for the benefit of workers from the Workers’ Memorial Building with the best resources to continue to strengthen the trade union movement in our country”, said Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
The General Secretary of the General Workers’ Union Josef Bugeja also spoke on this occasion, saying that today is a historic moment for the GWU and for workers. “A moment where we are starting a new era in our history. This achievement is not only a testament to our unity, resilience and vision but also our commitment towards a future, where workers’ rights continue to be protected and respected”, said Bugeja. He stressed that with the help of the Prime Minister, the Government and everyone who believed in this vision, we are ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the largest workers’ union. Josef Bugeja maintained that we will have a future that will ensure that the Workers’ Memorial Building will remain the natural home of workers. “Together, we will continue to fight for social justice, dignity, equality, decent work, fair pay and a better future for workers and society as a whole”, concluded the General Secretary of the GWU
