An agreement has been signed between the government and the General Workers’ Union regarding the union’s use of the Workers’ Memorial Building to ensure workers’ voices, the Office of the Prime Minister stated.

The OPM said that this agreement is the result of a resolution approved with a vote in favour by the government, and added that it was signed between the Lands Authority and the management of the GWU. The OPM continued that the agreement will ensure the future sustainability of the union “in fairness to the State”, where the GWU will be paying €2 million as established by an independent expert. The government added that the GWU will be using the areas of the building without previous restrictions, and commented that this is coming about after years of uncertainty from a court case opened by the Opposition.

Prime Minister Robert Abela described this agreement as one which will continue providing stability to the GWU, which he said has worked in favour and social work and the progress of the Maltese worker in a history of over 80 years. Abela remarked that there is no doubt that the GWU’s strong contribution has assisted in the great achievements of workers.

Abela said that the GWU has always spoken for all workers, as he commented that Malta is grateful to the GWU and added that the government wants to continue supporting the union with a fair agreement. He said that the government will continue bringing about important changes in favour of workers, and spoke of how the Labour Migration Policy is an example of such an initiative which recognises the dignity of workers. He commented that decent income for workers remains a main principle.

Lands Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that he believes in the strengthening of trade union work in Malta. He commented that this particular agreement was made possible thanks to the work of the Lands Authority in finding a “fair and adequate solution”. He continued that since its foundation, the GWU has been at the forefront of protecting workers’ rights. Zrinzo Azzopardi added that the signing of this contract is a confirmation of the government’s position that the GWU should continue working from the Workers’ Memorial Building and with the best resources to keep strengthening the trade union movement in Malta for the benefit of workers.

Josef Bugeja, the Secretary General of the GWU, said that this 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 testimony to our unity, resilience and vision but also our commitment to a future where workers' rights continue to be protected and respected,” Bugeja stated. The OPM stated that Bugeja spoke of how a strong and sustainable future is being secured for the GWU with the help of the Prime Minister and the government. “Together, we continue to fight for social justice, dignity, equality, decent work, appropriate pay, and a better future for all workers and society,” he concluded.