Trade Union Leadership, Labour Rights & Social Dialogue
Over a decade on the frontline of industrial relations, collective bargaining, and institutional representation for workers’ dignity and social justice.
From Grassroots Organising to National Social Dialogue
“Industrial relations is ultimately the art of translating human dignity into institutional commitments. Fair workplaces are rarely accidental; they are negotiated.”
My involvement in the labour movement started not as a career plan, but out of an immediate institutional need. While working at the University of Malta Library between 2005 and 2010, I founded a dedicated trade union for university librarians in 2008 to ensure professional recognition and fair working conditions.
That grassroots initiative led to a twelve-year secondment (2010–2022) with UHM Voice of the Workers, one of Malta’s foremost national trade unions. Starting on the frontline as Secretary of the Health Section, I progressed to Assistant Director and ultimately served as Deputy CEO. Across hundreds of hours at the negotiation table, media appearances, and national policy forums, my focus remained anchored on collective bargaining, workplace justice, and constructive social dialogue.
Milestones in the Labour Movement
Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Deputy CEO)
Helped steer the union’s strategic operations, national policy proposals, and executive governance. Represented workers’ interests in national social dialogue forums, media broadcasts, and international labour platforms while overseeing cross-sectoral industrial relations teams.
Assistant Director
Coordinated complex collective agreement negotiations across multiple public and private entities, mentored industrial relations officers, and contributed to national employment, budget, and social justice policy frameworks.
Secretary, Health Section
Seconded to UHM to lead one of the country’s most critical and high-pressure union sections. Negotiated major sectoral agreements for allied health professionals and healthcare workers, handling frontline industrial disputes and advocating for patient and worker safety.
Founding the Librarians’ Union
Established a dedicated union for university library staff to champion professional progression, structured grading, and workplace representation within higher education.
Areas of Focus & Commentary
Healthcare & Public Sector Negotiations
Over a decade of leading intricate negotiations for healthcare professionals, public officers, and educational staff, balancing fiscal realities with professional recognition and career progression.
Social Justice & National Dialogue
Regular media commentary, press interventions, and policy submissions addressing cost-of-living pressures, precarious employment, equal pay for work of equal value, and institutional transparency.
Human Resources, AI & the Future of Work
Combining frontline trade union experience with an MSc in HRM and doctoral AI policy research to examine how automation, algorithmic management, and institutional change impact workers.