Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1339768
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 FEBRUARY 2021 13 COMMERCIAL Vassallo Group launches an art initiative to mark its 75th anniversary ZVART is a new initiative taken by Vassallo Group of Compa- nies to mark their 75th anniver- sary being celebrated this year. ZVART, an acronym for Za- ren Vassallo Art (initiative) encourages companies within the group to invest in pieces of art to adorn property owned by the group or property in which the group is currently operat- ing. The initiative was launched by group chairman Nazzareno Vassallo last December during a short ceremony in which a painting of Mr Vassallo's later brother and former sharehold- er, Cikku Vassallo, by Mosta artist Dione Borg, was unveiled at Villa Amodeo, the office of the group chairman. Learning Works, the educa- tion arm of the group, was the first company within the group to participate in this initiative. On the 2nd anniversary of its incorporation on 4th Febru- ary the company inaugurated a work of art by renowned cer- amist Paul Haber titled 'Gain- ing Strength…'. This piece comprises coiled forms part- ly glazed with layers of thick stoneware glaze. It was one of the exhibits in the seventh edi- tion of ArtCeram 2020, which was held last year in the city of Sèvres, France. It was also ex- hibited in the Colours of Malta at the Mairie du Louvre town hall, right opposite the Lou- vre Museum in Paris, in 2018. The exhibition was curated by art critic and collector Olivi- er Plique. When unveiling the piece in the presence of artist Paul Haber and his wife Joan, group Chairman Nazzareno Vassallo stressed that the aim of ZVART is to adorn all group property with works of art by local artists over a period of time. In this way the group would not only be supporting local art but also enriching its properties across all its subsid- iary companies. He remarked that the name of the piece -'Gaining Strength' - is very appropriate because it reflects the group's strategy to gain strength with each and every step it took over the last 75 years. It also ties in nicely with the fact that Learning Works is growing into a robust educa- tion institution offering a vari- ety of accredited programmes in different areas and which will be spreading further its wings in the coming years. Learning Works CEO Charlo Bonnici, who is also the chair- person of ZVART, explained that as a company, which is also licensed as a Further and Higher Education institution, Learning Works wanted to make a significant contribu- tion to the scheme because it also believes in sending out the message that art and the ap- preciation of art is intrinsically connected to the intellectual growth of the individual. Other works of art have been commissioned by the different companies within the group which will be unveiled in the coming months as part of the group's 75th anniversary pro- gramme. The initiative was launched by group chairman Nazzareno Vassallo last December during a short ceremony in which a painting of Mr Vassallo's later brother and former shareholder, Cikku Vassallo, by Mosta artist Dione Borg, was unveiled at Villa Amodeo The GWU and its role What is the role of the General Workers' Union? THE General Workers' Union has always respected and de- fended the workers' interests. In 1943 it was the only protection for employees against injustice and abuse at workplaces. Over the years, it has improved work- ing conditions and workers' quality of life both at work and outside. It was not always easy. There were moments when the workers had to go on strike for their requests to be justified. In other occasions, harsher moves were taken by the workers' for the authorities to listen. Anoth- er role of the General Workers' Union is that of the leading so- cial partner on a national scale to impact Maltese society posi- tively. How did the GWU start? At World War II Malta was a British colony, and because of its position in the Mediter- ranean, we served as the mili- tary base for the power of the British air and fleet. All this has brought a lot of work on our is- land. Unfortunately, however, the Maltese have been under- estimated and were suffering poverty. Reggie Miller had sug- gested that the workers should join a Union to improve their conditions. How did we evolve? As a pro-work organisation, our goal has always been to welcome every individual who needs our help. We continued to grow be- cause we evolved according to the industries' nature. We al- ways introduced new rights for workers to strike the right bal- ance between their work and their personal time. We are continuously work- ing, so Malta introduces the new law of the right to discon- nect, equal pay for equal val- ue, the directive on balancing work and private life, living income, pay transparency, gen- der pay gap and mitigating the effect of covid on workers. We have always believed that they must be motivated and partic- ipate fully for the workers to produce the best possible job. Over the years, the GWU has increased many workers' rights and keeps working to improve their lives. The Union insists that the workers need rest to have the energy to do their job with determination and re- sponsibility. How does it work? If you are over 16, you can join the General Workers' Un- ion by electronically complet- ing the form. From there on- wards speak to us if you have any issues at the workplace and we do everything possible to protect you. Why should you be a member? Unity brings strength. Sin- gle individuals can slightly improve their working condi- tions. But the power of many individuals together makes the difference. Over time the GWU improved the work- ing conditions in every work- place. We defended thousands of members from abuses and exploitation, brought foreign investment, created various jobs and brought millions in increases. The GWU believes that workers should focus their energy on work. No individu- al should experience distress or underestimate. Become a member today, and we will be with you in every situation you encounter.