Michael Seychell, a leading figure in Malta's trade union movement throughout much of the 20th century, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 85.

The news was shared by his son, Peter Seychell, in a Facebook post, where he also announced that the funeral will be held tomorrow morning at the Naxxar parish church.

Born in Cospicua on February 3, 1940, Seychell began his working life as an apprentice at the dockyard. He quickly rose through the ranks of the General Workers' Union (GWU), being elected assistant secretary of its metal workers section in 1967. He went on to head the construction and woodworks section between 1970 and 1971.

In 1971, Seychell returned to the metal workers section as secretary, a post he held until 1977. He stepped down following the contentious merger between the GWU and the Labour Party.

Beyond his union work, Seychell also served on the boards of several key state and industrial organizations, including the Drydocks Corporation, Malta Drydocks, Union Press, Meedelech Switchgear Ltd, and Metalfond Ltd. From 1992 to 1995, he chaired the Public Transport Authority, the forerunner of today's Transport Malta.

PN statement

The Partit Nazzjonalista paid tribute to the memory of Seychell - "a trade unionist who dedicated the greater part of his life to serving workers and improving their rights".

Following a long career as a trade unionist and also as an official of the General Workers Union (GWU), Michael - or Mike, as he was known - also served as a local councillor representing the Partit Nazzjonalista in Tal-Pietà.

Mike Seychell will be remembered for his tireless efforts on behalf of workers as Secretary of the GWU's Metal Section during a time when he also served as Personnel and Administration Manager at the Malta Drydocks. He held various positions within the GWU from 1967 onwards, always placing workers first and taking a leading role in defending their interests during the 1970s, especially during the period of wage freezes.

He did this with personal sacrifice and suffered the consequences, remaining a shield for the Maltese worker. In 1977, he resigned from his roles after the GWU merged with the Labour Party.

During the time of Malta's EU accession campaign, Mike was among the foremost supporters, actively participating in several related activities, including appearances on NET TV. He also served with great loyalty and commitment as a Partit Nazzjonalista councillor in Tal-Pietà between 2009 and 2013. Among other roles he held were board member of Malta Drydocks, Union Press, Metalfond and PBS. He also served as Chairman of the Public Transport Authority between 1992 and 1995.

Mike Seychell "was a man who took every position he held with great seriousness and was an example of dedication and commitment in public service," the PN said.

The Partit Nazzjonalista extended its condolences to his wife and their three children.

The President's statement

The Presidency also paid tribute to the memory of Michael Seychell, who throughout his public career always served the causes he believed in with conviction and commitment.

In what concerns the worker, Michael Seychell was at the forefront of trade unionism, and in the public and administrative positions he held, including as a local councillor, his dedication always stood out, the statement said.

The Presidency extends its condolences to his family.