Former prominent trade unionist Michael Seychell dies, aged 85
He served in the General Workers Union in various roles until his resignation in 1977
Updated 2.02pm with president statement
Former prominent trade unionist Michael Seychell died on Wednesday night, aged 85, his family has said.
Born in Cospicua on February 3, 1940, Seychell joined the dockyard as an apprentice and was elected assistant secretary of the metal workers section in 1967, a post he held until 1970 when he was appointed secretary of the construction and woodworks section.
Seychell, also known as "il-Mike", returned to the metal workers section in 1971 as secretary, remaining in the post until 1977 when he resigned following the merger of the General Workers’ Union and the Labour Party.
He also sat on the boards of the Drydocks Corporation, Malta Drydocks, Union Press, Meedelech Switchgear Ltd and Metalfond Ltd, and was chairman of the Public Transport Authority – the forerunner to Transport Malta – from 1992 to 1995.
Seychell served as a Nationalist Party local councillor in Pietà from 2009 and 2013.
He is survived by his wife Mary and their three children.
Writing on Facebook, Seychell’s son Peter said his father's funeral will be held Friday morning at the Naxxar parish church. Hundreds of commentators left messages of condolences under the post.
'Shield for Maltese workers'
In a statement, the Nationalist Party described Seychell as "showing dedication in every public role he held".
The PN said the former trade unionist would be "remembered for his tireless efforts on behalf of workers... 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", the party said, adding Seychell was one of the "foremost supporters" of Malta's EU accession campaign.
"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 party said, while extending condolences to his family.
'His dedication stood out'
In a statement, the Office of the President said Seychell had "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."