Kevin Camilleri approved as GWU’s new General Secretary

In the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta, the General Workers’ Union (GWU) headquarters buzzed with a sense of renewal last week. The union’s council members gathered, not just for another meeting, but to turn a page in the organisation’s history. They had a name on their minds: Kevin Camilleri. After a thorough selection process, Camilleri was officially approved as the GWU’s new General Secretary, a role that has been held by the much-respected Josef Bugeja for the past 25 years.

Kevin Camilleri’s journey to the GWU’s top post is a testament to his dedication and passion for workers’ rights. Born and bred in the bustling streets of Valletta, Camilleri, 42, has been a GWU activist since his early 20s. He started as a shop steward, representing workers in the retail sector, and gradually climbed the union’s ranks, becoming the GWU’s assistant general secretary in 2015.

Camilleri’s rise is not just a story of personal ambition, but also a reflection of the GWU’s commitment to grooming its own talent. “The GWU has always believed in nurturing its members,” Camilleri told Hot Malta in an exclusive interview. “I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who saw potential in me and guided me along the way.”

Camilleri takes over the reins at a time when the GWU is celebrating its 90th anniversary. With over 50,000 members, it remains Malta’s largest trade union, a powerful voice for workers’ rights. Yet, the scene of work is changing, with the gig economy and artificial intelligence posing new challenges.

“We’re living in a time of great change,” Camilleri acknowledges. “As General Secretary, I want to ensure that the GWU remains relevant and responsive to these changes. We must continue to fight for fair wages and decent working conditions, but we also need to look ahead, anticipating the future of work and preparing our members for it.”

One of Camilleri’s first tasks will be to lead the GWU’s negotiations with the government over the new collective agreement for public sector workers. The current agreement expires in June, and the union is already gearing up for talks. “Our members deserve a fair deal,” Camilleri says. “We’ll be pushing for better wages, improved working conditions, and enhanced job security.”

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