Employers should not be deceptive on health and safety issues – President
The President of Malta George Vella encouraged all employers not to be harsh in relation to the health and safety of workers.
During the ‘National Worker of the Year 2022 Award’ ceremony organized by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Social Dialogue, the President referred to workplace accidents, some of which were fatal.
“Employers and the responsible authorities must lead initiatives to avoid and protect employees from tragedies that can be avoided with a little more attention and discipline,” said President Vella.
The National Worker of the Year Award recognizes the dedication and diligence of workers, as the President pointed out that our country has always been known for the wisdom and diligence of its workers.
“In recent years the number of foreign workers among us has increased significantly. They were, still are, and will remain a crucial element in the economic success of our country. While I I thank them for their valid contribution, I would like each of them to be treated with respect and dignity for the service they provide,” said the President.
While thanking all the workers for their sacrifices during the pandemic, President Vella encouraged employers to continue using the electronic systems even now that the restrictions are a thing of the past.
“I believe that the various systems that were used offered a good balance between work and the private life of the workers. At the same time, the many congestions on the roads and in the offices have decreased and even consumers have learned to use electronic systems for multiple services,” stated President George Vella.
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 without the diligence of the workers and the entrepreneurial. spirit of Maltese businessmen.
Ellul referred to several legal introductions that came into effect during the past year with the aim of improving the working conditions and the quality of life of the workers.
While congratulating all the winners and semi-finalists, the Parliamentary Secretary told them that they must be an “inspiration for other companies to continue to embrace the principle of inclusiveness and recognize that in a suitable work environment, the workers will be more productive and thus carry out their duties with more passion and care.”
The winners are:
• National Worker of the Year Award – Claire Mallia, teaching support educator at Stella Maris school
• Manager/Head of the Year – Ramon Deguara, General Director in the Cleaning and Maintenance Division
• Team of the Year – Ward 1 of Oncology
• Organization that promotes initiatives of balance between work and private life – Alleanza, Santa Venera
• Award for the best Female Entrepreneur – Janice Azzopardi, Brokers Malta
• Award for the best Male Entrepreneur – Mario Said, Scotts Ltd
• Award for the most Inspiring Young Leader – Martina and Carlos Borg, Carisma
• Award for the Company that most promotes Corporate Social Responsibility – V Squared and Gadgets
• Award for the most Inclusive Organization – Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Raymond Scicluna, Clerk of the Chamber of Deputies within the Parliament of Malta