The General Workers Union and HSBC have signed a partnership agreement from which union members will be benefiting. Benefits include a reduction on loans and insurance.

In a short address during the signing, GWU secretary general Tony Zarb said that the positions the GWU adopts within the framework of industrial relations at entrepreneurial and at national levels, are always based on the fact that the union represents all the family and not only for the member.

The GWU projects itself in such a way as it firmly believes that a true professional and consistent union is that which cares for the workers’ working conditions in the best way possible. As a matter of fact, the GWU’s work is directed to ensure that its members achieve a higher standard of living and a better quality of life. This especially at times when the workers are faced with real problems and going through difficult times at their place of work.

Along the years, the GWU launched innovative membership schemes. One of these schemes was launched last year to enable the GWU members to benefit from discounted prices when they buy from various outlets within the scheme, Mr Zarb said.

“Through the agreement, HSBC has become our business partner. The idea of the GWU to have strategic business partners is aimed at increasing the benefits and services to its members,” Mr Zarb added.

The agreement with HSBC is intended also to create new business for the bank through discounted loans and insurance policies.

In the coming weeks the GWU will be distributing this agreement in a booklet form to all its members. “However I would like to take this opportunity to announce that the first beneficiaries of this agreement with HSBC are going to be the ex-Malta Shipyards workers who certainly need guidance on how best they can invest their earnings,” Mr Zarb said.

Godfrey Swain Head of Personal Financial Services signed for HSBC. Present was also Ray Briffa, Head of Channel Management of HSBC.