GWU declares industrial dispute at Gozo homeless shelter Dar Emmaus

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 Tuesday, the union stressed its belief that employees should not be required to undertake responsibilities for which they were neither engaged nor trained.

It added that it reserves the right to issue further directives and escalate industrial actions if the situation 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 homeless shelter, with particular attention given to victims of domestic violence.

It operates through a social partnership with government, which provides state funding to cover operational costs and support services.

The Government, Public Entities, 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 successful, the GWU said it was under the clear impression that no Dar Emmaus employees would be terminated.

The GWU noted that, prior to the meeting, the decision concerning 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 negotiation of a new collective agreement.

In fact, a draft proposal was already being prepared by the GWU to facilitate constructive dialogue between all parties.

The meeting followed a dispute launched in August after the GWU claimed the management running Dar Emmaus, being Fondazzjoni Kenn u Tama, refused to participate in a conciliation meeting with the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations.

The meeting was meant to address “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 Tuesday’s statement by expressing its deep regret that matters have reached this stage, particularly following the positive discussions held on 15 September.

Nevertheless, the GWU stressed that it remains convinced that meaningful dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to understandings reached between the parties are the only way forward.

The industrial dispute is being formally registered with the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER).