The General Workers' Union (GWU) expresses its full solidarity with the artists who were forced to seek justice through the courts in order to receive payment for their work on Divas II - The Dance Show.
No worker should ever be compelled to take legal action simply to obtain wages that have been honestly earned, the union said Friday.
On Wedesday, a coalition of prominent Maltese singers and performers, including Eurovision stars Ira Losco, Destiny Chukunyere, and Gaia Cauchi, have filed a legal judicial protest against choreographer Felix Busuttil Galea. The filing, presented in the First Hall of the Civil Court against Busuttil operating on behalf of YADA Dance Company, accuses the director of failing to pay top local artists for their professional services in a major stage production.
Referring to the case, GWU Professionals, Finance and Services Section Secretary Riccarda Darmanin said that: "Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Over the years, the GWU has assisted numerous workers in Malta's creative and cultural sectors who have experienced delayed or unpaid remuneration despite having fulfilled their professional obligations.
The Union has consistently supported affected workers and pursued every available avenue to help them recover what is rightfully theirs."Behind every unpaid or delayed wage is a worker who has invested time, talent, effort and dedication. In many cases, that income is essential to meeting financial commitments and supporting a family.
From television productions to live performances, financial pressures are too often shifted onto artists, performers, technicians and other creative professionals instead of being borne by the production companies responsible for managing and financing these projects. Such practices undermine the value of creative work and can leave workers facing serious financial hardship and unnecessary emotional stress.Fair pay is not only about receiving appropriate remuneration for work carried out. It is also about being paid on time, with dignity, and in accordance with agreed commitments.
Every worker, regardless of the sector in which they are employed, deserves this fundamental level of respect and protection.The GWU remains firmly committed to defending workers' rights and supporting those who seek its assistance. Through its services, guidance, representation and advocacy, the Union works to help its members recover what is rightfully theirs while ensuring that employers honour their obligations.
No worker should have to face such challenges alone.The Union encourages anyone experiencing similar difficulties to come forward and seek support. By speaking out, standing together and acting collectively, workers can strengthen their voice and help foster a culture of fairness, accountability and respect throughout Malta's creative and cultural industries.