The President of Malta George Vella encouraged all employers to prioritise the health and safety of workers. During the ceremony ‘National Workers of the Year 2022’ organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Social Dialogue, the President referred to workplace accidents, some of which were fatal.
The National Workers of the Year Award recognises the dedication and courage of workers, with the President saying that our country has always been known for the wisdom and courage of its workers.
“Foreign workers among us have increased significantly in recent years. These were, still are and will remain a crucial element in the economic success of our country. While I thank them for their valid contribution, I would like each of them to be treated with respect and dignity for the service they are giving,” said the President. While thanking all the workers for the sacrifices they made during the pandemic, President Vella encouraged employers to continue using the electronic systems even now that the restrictions are a thing of the past.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul, said that although the Government’s effort is very important to continue to achieve positive results in our economy, the truth is that these results would certainly not have been achieved if it had not been it was for the courage of the workers and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Maltese businessman. During his speech the Parliamentary Secretary made reference to several legal introductions that came into effect during the last year with the aim of improving the conditions of workers and their quality of life.
Congratulating all the winners and semi-finalists, the Parliamentary Secretary told them that they must be an “inspiration for other companies to embrace the principle of inclusiveness and to recognise that with a good work environment, the workers will be more productive and passionate.”
The 2022 awards ceremony winners are:
• National Worker of the Year Award – Claire Mallia, learning support educator at Stella Maris school.
• Manager/Head of the Year – Ramon Deguara, General Director, Maintenance and cleaning division.
• Team of the Year – Oncology Ward 1.
• Organization that promotes work-life balance – Alliance, Santa Venera.
• Award for the best Entrepreneur – Janice Azzopardi, Broker Malta and Mario Said, Scotts Ltd.
• Award for the most Inspiring Young Leaders – Martina and Carlos Borg, Carisma.
• Award for the Company that promotes Social Responsibility – V Squared and Gadgets.
• Award for the most Inclusive Organization – The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• Lifetime achievement award – Raymond Scicluna, Clerk, Parliament of Malta.
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