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7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 9 OCTOBER 2026 NEWS GWU declares industrial dispute at Gozo homeless shelter Dar Emmaus The General Workers' Union declares an industrial dispute at Gozo's only emergency homeless shelter Dar Emmaus over staff duties and 'contradictory' behaviour from management THE General Workers' Union (GWU) declared an industrial dispute at Gozo's only emergency homeless shelter Dar Emmaus. With immediate effect, the GWU directed all care staff at Dar Emmaus not to perform any duties which fall outside their job description, who recently have been assigned duties traditionally carried out by security staff. In a statement issued on Tues- day, the union stressed its belief that employees should not be re- quired to undertake responsibil- ities for which they were neither engaged nor trained. It added that it reserves the right to issue further directives and es- calate industrial actions if the sit- uation remains unresolved, while underlining that it remains open to discussions aimed at resolving the dispute in a fair manner. Active since 2014, Dar Emmaus is Gozo's only emergency home- less shelter, with particular atten- tion given to victims of domestic violence. It operates through a social part- nership with government, which provides state funding to cover operational costs and support ser- vices. The Government, Public Enti- ties, and Health Section within the GWU called for the dispute after developments which it said is a "direct contradiction" of the understanding reached by both parties during a meeting on 15 September. Following the meeting, which at the time was described as success- ful, the GWU said it was under the clear impression that no Dar Emmaus employees would be ter- minated. The GWU noted that, prior to the meeting, the decision con- cerning the termination of two employees was reconsidered and then consequently revoked. The union also believed that there was a "genuine willingness to move forward" and continue discussions towards the negotia- tion of a new collective agreement. In fact, a draft proposal was al- ready being prepared by the GWU to facilitate constructive dialogue between all parties. The meeting followed a dis- pute launched in August after the GWU claimed the management running Dar Emmaus, being Fon- dazzjoni Kenn u Tama, refused to participate in a conciliation meet- ing with the Department of Indus- trial and Employment Relations. The meeting was meant to ad- dress "urgent issues" impacting Dar Emmaus union members. According to the GWU, this left them with no other option but to take industrial action, describing the management's position as "unacceptable." The union concluded Tues- day's statement by expressing its deep regret that matters have reached this stage, particularly following the positive discus- sions held on 15 September. Nevertheless, the GWU stressed that it remains convinced that meaningful di- alogue, mutual respect, and adherence to understandings reached between the parties are the only way forward. The industrial dispute is being formally registered with the De- partment for Industrial and Em- ployment Relations (DIER). The GWU insisted that employees should not be assigned work outside their job description (Photo: GWU website) Freephone 1578 launched to strengthen contact between OPSA, the elderly and their families HE Parliamentary Secretary re- sponsible for Active Ageing, Deo Debattista, together with the Chief Executive of the Authority for Elderly Standards (OPSA), George Fenech, launched the new Freephone 1578 service, with the aim of making the Au- thority more accessible to the elderly and their families. OPSA is a regulatory authority that aims to raise the quality and standards of services for older persons, while protecting and promoting their dignity, safety and well-being. Through Freephone 1578, elderly persons, relatives and members of the public will have a simpler and more direct means of contacting the Au- thority, submitting questions, expressing concerns or making complaints related to the servic- es provided in residential homes for the elderly. Parliamentary Secretary Deo Debattista said that this initia- tive would further strengthen the accessibility of services for the elderly and their families. "When an elderly person or family member has a concern, it is important to know where they can turn and to find someone to listen to. Freephone 1578 makes this contact easier and more di- rect. Above all, we are continu- ing to convey the message that the voice of our seniors counts and should be heard," Debattista said.. OPSA Chief Executive Of- ficer, George Fenech, said that the launch of the Freephone is another step towards bringing the Authority closer to the peo- ple it serves. He explained that through this new channel, OP- SA will be able to receive and address questions, concerns and complaints in a more direct and efficient manner. Debattista also thanked the OPSA staff for their work to- wards higher standards in ser- vices for the elderly, stressing that the quality of services goes beyond regulation and should always be built on respect, dig- nity and well-being of the per- son. The launch of Freephone 1578 is part of OPSA's ongoing work to strengthen communi- cation with older people and their families and continue to work towards quality services that protect their rights. The Freephone 1578 will be available during office hours. Parliamentary Secretary Deo Debattista said that this initiative would further strengthen the accessibility of services for the elderly and their families (Photo: DOI)

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