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James Debono
For the first time in its history, the top post of the General Workers’ Union will be contested by two union heavyweights. Deputy Secretary General Manwel Micallef yesterday announced his decision to contest against his boss, Tony Zarb, for the top job at the helm of the union, in an election
A total of 650 delegates will be electing the new general secretary in the fierce contest in October. In an exclusive interview with MaltaToday, Micallef explains his motivations for contesting Zarb, citing the need for a leap in quality in the union’s leadership.
In a press statement yesterday, Tony Zarb said, in reaction to Micallef’s earlier announcement: “there is democracy in the union and one is free to contest for a post.”
Micallef will also contest for the post of deputy secretary general.
Micallef criticizes Zarb’s leadership for starting a number of battles which fizzled out in a short time. He also criticizes the union for failing to take a leadership role in a period marked by the disenchantment of many PN supporters and even Labour Party supporters who pretend something better.
Micallef proclaims his leftist and Labourite beliefs while insisting that the interests and strategies of the GWU and MLP are not identical.
“We will always remain in the opposition,” Micallef pledges. He also suspects that PN strategists are giving him exposure in the Nationalist to discredit him with labour oriented GWU delegates.
Micallef's announcement has created ripples in the General Workers Union with a number of section leaders pronouncing themselves about it. MaltaToday is informed that Gejtu Mercieca, the secretary of the chemical, energy and printing section and Andrew Mizzi secretary of the Metal Section are openly supporting Tony Zarb while Karmenu Vella, the secretary of the Services and Media section is supporting Micallef.
All five major official positions in the General Workers Union are up for grabs. MaltaToday is informed that all posts will be contested in the forthcoming October election.
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