The General Workers’ Union approved a new leadership team during an Extraordinary Congress on Monday, with Kevin Camilleri succeeding Josef Bugeja as Secretary General of Malta’s largest trade union.
In a statement, the General Workers’ Union (GWU) said it has entered a new chapter following the approval of a new leadership team during an Extraordinary Congress.
Delegates officially approved the appointments of Kevin Camilleri as Secretary General, Kevin Abela as Deputy Secretary General, and Robert Micallef as International Secretary, marking what union officials described as a moment of continuity and renewal for Malta’s largest trade union.
Addressing delegates for the first time as Secretary General, Camilleri outlined a vision focused on sustainability, digital transformation and stronger engagement with union members.
Speaking about the future of the union, Camilleri said that the rapidly changing world of work requires the GWU to lead change rather than simply react to it.
“The world of work is changing through digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and technological developments, and the GWU must remain at the forefront of these transformations,” he said.
Camilleri explained that his vision for the union is based on three main pillars: sustainability, closer engagement with members, and training and continuous development.
Under the sustainability pillar, he announced plans to strengthen and diversify the union’s economic model through new services and initiatives, while increasing participation in national and European discussions on decent work and a just transition.
He also revealed plans for a dedicated office focused on European and local projects.
On member engagement, Camilleri said the union will invest in digital modernisation, including the development of a mobile application for members and the modernisation of Union Press to reach younger audiences more effectively.
The third pillar focuses on investing in training in areas such as digital skills, the green economy, industrial relations, negotiations and workers’ rights protection.
Camilleri also announced that discussions will begin on establishing a new section dedicated to the health sector, aimed at strengthening the GWU’s presence in the industry.
Outgoing Secretary General Josef Bugeja delivered an emotional farewell speech reflecting on his 26-year journey within the trade union movement.
He spoke of efforts made during his tenure to strengthen workers’ representation, invest in training and education, and improve working conditions and social justice.
Among the defining moments of his leadership, Bugeja pointed to the Covid-19 pandemic and the safeguarding of the Workers’ Memorial Building as the “Workers’ Home.”
New Deputy Secretary General Kevin Abela described the Extraordinary Congress as a historic and mature transition for the organisation.
In his address, he spoke of the importance of continuity, renewal and collective work in favour of workers, while paying tribute to Bugeja and expressing confidence in Camilleri’s leadership.
Abela said the GWU must continue adapting to challenges linked to digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and remote working.
He outlined priorities including the digital modernisation of the union, continuous training for workers and representatives, and stronger international relations to support growth in emerging sectors.
GWU President Jason Deguara described the day as both historic and emotional for the union.
He praised Bugeja’s leadership and highlighted major achievements during his tenure, including the implementation of the “Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value” principle and the preservation of the Workers’ Memorial Building.
Deguara said he is confident the new leadership team has the energy and vision required to continue strengthening the union locally and internationally.
He also welcomed Kevin Abela and Robert Micallef to their new roles, saying the appointments represent a strong balance between continuity and renewal.
New International Secretary Robert Micallef reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the GWU’s international presence on behalf of Maltese and Gozitan workers.
Micallef spoke of the union’s longstanding role within the international trade union movement, including its participation in organisations such as the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Commonwealth Trade Union Council.
He said that international union work is becoming increasingly important in a globalised world facing economic uncertainty, wars and international crises.
Micallef also said he intends to continue strengthening the GWU’s voice at both European and international level through his work within the European Economic and Social Committee.
