The secretary general of the General Workers Union Tony Zarb said that the new government elected on 9 March will have to make amends for the injustices suffered by its members at the hands of the current administration.

Mr Zarb was speaking during a special session of the union's national council which met to discuss its document outlining its proposals to political parties.

The occasion also marked a visit by Opposition leader Joseph Muscat who was invited to address the national council. As expected Dr Muscat was given a very warm welcome by the union officials. For many years, the GWU was statutorily linked with the Labour Party and had a seat on the Cabinet.

In his speech Mr Zarb expressed his hope that the PL will take more of its proposals onboard after including some of its measures related to utility tariffs, education, health and LGBT.

He said that the union is willing to work with all those of good will, and said that they expect a new government to address injustices perpetrated by the current administration. Mr Zarb expressed his hope that the new government will reverse the decision on public holidays falling on a weekend.

He closed his speech quoting the respective party slogans, remarking that "for the country to have a solid future it needs to belong to us all" with all those present bursting in applause.

Mr Zarb's address was followed by that of the Labour leader who said that the party is only making realistic pledges. He reiterated that Labour's plans are feasible and not overly optimistic as then they may not materialise.

Dr Muscat said that the PL so far has unveiled about 100 proposals, many of which have a lot in common with the GWU's proposals. He said that Labour's flagship proposal on energy which will have wide ranging repercussions was taken onboard following the union's suggestions.  Dr Muscat lauded the GWU for creating awareness on substandard jobs.

The Labour leader announced that IPSL employees who have had their wages freezed for a number of years, will have a new collective agreement if Labour is elected to government.

He also announced that disciplinary corps will be given the right to enrol in a trade union of their choice, without the right to strike. This will be a new chapter in industrial relations, he said.

In his concluding remarks he lauded Maltese trade unions for their responsible attitude saying the relatively low number of industrial disputes is clear testament to this.

Earlier deputy secretary general Michael Parnis said that the union's proposals have already been presented to all political parties, remarking that the PN seemed very reluctant to meet the union. He said that the majority of unions and constituted bodies gave a positive feedback the union's proposals. The deputy secretary general said that the union will be vetting the respective manifestos to verify how many of its proposals have been taken onboard by political parties. He said that the first impression is that the PL has been much more forthcoming.

The meeting then continued behind closed doors.