Memory Lane 28/07/2002

Talking to George Agius

George Agius is a union man through and through. At age 78 he still works for the union he has loved since he was a kid. He was Secretary of the General Workers' Union and also Malta's Ambassador in Bonn.

Today, he's not living quietly and resting as many men would do at 78, but still finds time to work for pensioners. He also likes to read a lot of newspapers and magazines. He loves current affairs and his never-say-rest attitude keeps him going.

"I am not a young man anymore but I still work loads and feel young. Age doesn't bother me." said Mr. Agius.

Mr Agius hails from Qormi but lives in San Gwann. He is the President of the Pensioners Movement of the General Workers' Union which today boasts of around 6,000 members.

Agius, who contributed long and well to the GWU, said "That's just one out of several positions I hold. I am also a member for the National Council for the Elderly, (Kunsill Nazzjonali ta' l-Anzjani), and the President of the Pensioners Alliance Movement (Alleanza ta' l-Ghaqdiet tal-Pensjonanti) which was formed last October.

I am also a member of the Employment Commission and also in the Tribunal reviewing changes in pensions. These pensioners mainly come from St Vincent de Paule or other government institutions." He is the Chairman of the tribunal.

"I have been the President of the Pensioners Section of the GWU for around 16 years now as I have never stopped working for the Union, retired when I at 61 years of age,:" Mr. Agius said.

A father of just one child Adrian, and wife Miriam, George finds his strength in helping the workers. As Secretary General of the GWU, he had an armful to fight for.

Mr. Agius said that Pensioners Movement has been in operation for the last 15 years. Together with his Secretary, Vincent Esposito, and the late Joe Borg, the three started the Pensioner's Movement in order to enhance the GWU old guard's continued fight for their rights.

"I am also an honorary member of the GWU, obviously without a vote but with the faculty of attending all the union meetings. When I do find some spare time I read, read and read, that is the best way to relax," the former Secretary General of the GWU said.

George Agius became Secretary General of the GWU in 1971. He took charge when his predecessor, Mr. Joe Attard Kingswell, was appointed roving Ambassador to the United Nations. Mr. Agius, who at the time was Deputy General Secretary stayed on as General Secretary of the GWU until 1976.

Mr Agius was also appointed to represent Malta abroad as Ambassador of Germany. He was the Maltese ambassador who kick-started healthier relations with the German government in Bonn.

He did not stay long in Germany rushing back to Malta to deal with the GWU's internal troubles. It was a time when Mr. Joe Attard Kingswell had some problems. He left the union soon after and Mr. Agius took back the post of Secretary General. He kept it until retiring in 1985.

"I was then posted Ambassador to the United Nations in New York where I stayed until 1987. When I came back I went straight back to the GWU starting the pensioners' union membership scheme.

By the way, I am also involved in the pensions' tribunal dealing with matters of actual entitlement of pensioners retiring at full term.

"I will have to relinquish the post of President of the Pensioner Movement since a recent amendment to the statute has fixed the maximum period as three terms of two years. This we did for the sake of those young pensioners at 61 years of age who would like to take up the post. There will still be ample work to be done and as long as God gives me the strength I shall continue to work for pensioners."

George Agius was talking to Ray Abdilla