Archbishop Paul Cremona yesterday thanked trade unions for working so hard to safeguard workers’ rights and urged them to continue seeing God in every person they deal with.

Speaking during a visit to the Workers’ Memorial Building, the headquarters of the General Workers’ Union, Archbishop Cremona said the Church is grateful to trade unions for their contribution towards the improvement of workers’ rights over the years.

In his speech, GWU secretary general Tony Zarb said the union would like the Church to express itself more about issues concerning workers, especially when their rights would have been breached. He said the union wishes to hear the Church’s stand on injustices, egoism in the workplace, abuse at work as well as the principle of social justice.

He said the GWU is committed to work with the Church to discuss these problems that are affecting workers and ensure that social justice is protected. He said the Church should have an open dialogue with trade unions, meeting at least once a year to discuss these issues and get first-hand information on what is really happening to workers.

Archbishop Cremona said the Church expresses its opinion on matters and then, following reflection, society can make its decisions. He appealed to trade unions to continue seeing the image of God in every person they deal with and also see these people in the context of the family they form part of.