Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1151507
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 AUGUST 2019 21 COMMERCIAL ON Tuesday 18 July, APS Bank hosted the presentation of award letters to students who have been selected for the Youth Specialisation Studies Scheme 2019. For the past years, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ has supported stu- dents who apply successfully for this scheme by offering subsidised interest rates on students' loans related to studies abroad or by distance learning. Through this collaborative arrangement between APS Bank and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, a number of students benefit annually from a subsidised study loan with favourable terms. The awards were presented to 18 students by the Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Sec- retary for Youth, Sports and Voluntary Organisations, An- thony Buttigieg, Chief Bank- ing Officer at APS Bank and Miriam Teuma, CEO Aġenzija Żgħażagħ. Buttigieg commented, "This is another step in APS Bank's journey of community com- mitment. We wish every suc- cess for the students on the YSSS and reiterate the Bank's continued support in this re- spect." Grima said, "It is impor- tant that students further their studies, allowing them to eventually give back to so- ciety. Maltese students have achieved great success abroad with initiatives such as the YSSS." APS Bank supporting students through Youth Specialisation Studies Scheme A group of Atlas Insurance employees, together with their family and friends re- cently enjoyed a tour of the White Tower, known in Maltese as it-Torri l-Abjad, a small coastal watchtower overlooking Armier Bay in the limits of Mellieħa. It was built in 1658 as the sixth of the De Redin towers. The White Tower is in ad- vanced stages of restoration, which are being carried out by the NGO Din l-Art Helwa. Atlas is sponsoring the res- toration of the British period guardroom which will be used as a multi-purpose room for meetings and events. During the visit, Atlas em- ployees could witness first- hand the works currently un- derway. The visit took place on a Sunday morning and was led by Martin Vella from Din l- Art Helwa who gave everyone a tour of the tower itself, the guardroom, and the Nemo Marine Interpretation Centre for children. After the tour, the group enjoyed a picnic lunch and refreshments in the shade of the tower. "As a company, we believe in supporting the community, and in this case, the restora- tion of our precious heritage," said Marketing and HR Man- ager, Jackie Attard Montalto. "Whenever we decide to support a project in the community, we endeavour to involve our colleagues in terms of the appreciation and work being carried out. Since agreeing to support Din l-Art Helwa, we have already held two clean-ups of the grounds around the tower, and this tour has been our third staff activity," she said. Atlas staff witness the restoration of the White Tower THE General Workers' Union and the General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd signed a new collective agreement for the employees of this company, whereby an improvement in terms of em- ployment conditions and ben- efits, as well as wage increases came into effect. The Secretary of the GWU's Hospitality and Foods sec- tion, Kenny Muscat, said that the work done on this collec- tive agreement was extensive so that the working conditions and benefits reflect today's re- alities. "Our country is experiencing economic growth and major social changes and our aim was for this collective agreement to meet the aspirations of work- ers. An important measure which was included was for workers to receive more train- ing to enhance their skills, to be able to face current and fu- ture technological challenges. Above all this collective agree- ment recognises the important role which employees have played in GSD's growth and success in recent years. The collective agreement thus fur- ther incentivises workers to remain committed to achiev- ing the company's targets and aspirations.'' In turn, the CEO of GSD Co Ltd, Maria Micallef, stated that ''This agreement builds on the solid foundations of previ- ous collective agreements and consolidates GSD's partner- ship with the GWU. I would like to thank the GWU repre- sentatives and all colleagues involved for their profession- alism during the negotiations. The collective agreement was a result of important efforts by both sides in the best interest of the employees. The man- agement team of GSD fully be- lieves that our employees are our most important resource.'' The collective agreement on behalf of the workers was signed by the Secretary of the GWU Hospitality and Foods section, Kenny Muscat, by the Shop Stewards Adrian Magro and Joseph Grima, and the Un- ion representative Raymond Magri. On behalf of the company, this collective agreement was signed by the CEO, Maria Mi- callef and Stephen Bonnici, Head of Human Resources. The Secretary General of the GWU, Josef Bugeja and the Deputy Secretary General of the GWU, Kevin Camilleri were also present for the sign- ing of this collective agree- ment. New collective agreement for GSD employees Atlas employees could witness firsthand the works currently underway at the White Tower