Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546341
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 28 AUGUST 2026 NEWS A meeting between the General Workers' Union (GWU) and the management of Dar Emmaus has paved the way for formal ne- gotiations on a collective agree- ment for employees at the Gozo home. The meeting, held on Monday evening at the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) offices in Xewkija, brought to- gether representatives from the government, public entities, health section and representa- tive for Gozo within the GWU, as well as representatives of Dar Emmaus. According to the GWU, the meeting took place in a positive and respectful atmosphere, with both sides expressing a willing- ness to clear up previous mis- understandings and establish a constructive basis for future discussions. Representing Dar Emmaus were Mikiel Xerri, Joseph Vella Gauci, head of the home Elena Bozhinova and board member Paul Azzopardi. During the meeting, Vella Gauci gave the union represent- atives an overview of Dar Em- maus' operations, including its mission, organisational struc- ture and the services provided to residents. The GWU said the exchange helped provide a clearer picture of the home's operations, inter- nal processes and future plans. Vella Gauci also presented the GWU with a number of limit- ed-edition books for the union's library collection. The union said it is now await- ing a draft proposal from Dar Emmaus management, which will form the basis for formally starting collective agreement negotiations. The GWU said it remains com- mitted to "dialogue and cooper- ation with the aim of securing a fair, transparent and sustainable agreement that improves and clarifies workers' conditions." It added that constructive so- cial dialogue remains the most effective way of addressing out- standing issues while safeguard- ing the interests of employees and all parties involved. The GWU said exchange helped provide a clearer picture of the home's operations The meeting occurred on Monday (Photo: General Workers Union)