GWU clashes with Delia after his 'chilling' comment

The GWU on Friday condemned racism and fear-mongering towards foreign communities, after Adrian Delia described demographic data in some localities as "chilling".

Speaking in parliament earlier this week, the PN MP quoted figures published by the National Statistics Office in August that showed foreign nationals outnumber Maltese people in Sliema, St Julian’s, Gżira, Pietà, Msida and St Paul’s Bay. He described the statistics as “tat-tkexkix” (chilling). 

Among those who reacted, former prime minister Joseph Muscat asked the PN which non-Maltese they would kick out first. 

On Friday, the General Workers’ Union acknowledged that several towns and cities had experienced a rapid rise in foreign residents, but insisted this reality must never be used to justify discrimination or intimidation.

"Some areas have experienced demographic changes, but this should never be used in a populist way that incites hatred against foreigners. It's disgraceful how some individuals exploit race to instil fear among our communities," the union's secretary general Josef Bugeja said in a statement. 

"The growth of foreign communities does not justify spreading hatred or inciting fear. Racism is unacceptable in any form - never, ever."

The GWU, which safeguards the rights of thousands of non-Maltese workers,  said the concentration of foreign workers was a result of economic needs, with many relocating to specific areas due to workplace proximity and affordable rental costs.

Foreign workers in Malta are essential and play crucial roles in the construction, hospitality, healthcare and retail sectors, amongst others, Bugeja said, adding that they contributed to the island's economic growth and ensured that vital services continued to operate by paying taxes and social contributions.

Without these workers, certain sectors would face significant challenges, he said.

Bugeja added that in a bid to address concerns over the number of foreign residents in certain localities, the GWU was advocating for practical solutions rooted in an integration plan, rather than promoting fear. 

"Challenges should be tackled through responsible policies, constructive discourse, and cooperation, while ensuring full respect and dignity for all workers. These issues will not be resolved by instilling fear or fostering hatred based on ethnicity."

GWU maintains a zero-tolerance policy on racism

In the same statement, the GWU reiterated its firm zero-tolerance stance on racism, xenophobia, and discrimination.

The GWU called on all employers, institutions, and authorities to ensure equal treatment for all workers regardless of nationality, safe and confidential reporting systems for discrimination and harassment, serious enforcement of labour rights and the promotion of inclusive and respectful workplaces.

“No worker - Maltese or foreign - should feel unsafe or unwelcome,” stated Bugeja.

“Respect and solidarity are the foundation of the labour movement.”

It urged all workers and residents, irrespective of nationality, to stand together against racism and to reinforce the values of fairness, respect, and social justice.