Kevin Camilleri approved as GWU's new General Secretary

Kevin Camilleri has been approved as GWU's new Secretary General, while Kevin Abela has been appointed Deputy Secretary General, and Robert Micallef as International Secretary.

The General Workers' Union delegates approved their appointment at an Extraordinary Congress held at the Workers’ Memorial Building.

Addressing delegates and union officials for the first time as Secretary General, Camilleri outlined a vision centred on sustainability, modernisation and stronger engagement with union members.

Camilleri paid tribute to former Secretary General Josef Bugeja, describing him as a mentor and someone who believed in him from his earliest days as a shop steward. He said that under Bugeja’s leadership, the GWU achieved important milestones for workers, including platform work legislation, stronger family rights and the principle of Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value.

The three pillars of the new vision

Camilleri said his vision was built on three pillars:

• Sustainability – with a focus on creating a stronger and more diversified economic model for the union, investing in new services and initiatives, and increasing participation in national and European discussions on decent work and a just transition. He also announced plans to establish a dedicated office for European and local projects.
• Closer engagement with members – through digital modernisation, including developing a mobile app for GWU members and modernising Union Press to ensure the union’s content reaches wider audiences and younger generations.
• Training and continuous development – with investment in digital skills, the green economy, industrial relations, negotiations and the protection of workers’ rights.

Camilleri also announced that discussions will begin to create a new section dedicated to the health sector, strengthening the GWU’s presence in this important field.

Photo: GWU