Gibraltar NASUWT have issued a statement highlgihting their concerns about representation and how participation was handled at this year’s Workers’ Memorial Day ceremony, noting that its understanding of events differs from Unite’s account.

 

A statement from Gibraltar NASUWT follows below:

 

Gibraltar NASUWT notes Unite’s recent statement indicating that they received only one request regarding participation in this year’s Workers’ Memorial Day and that education was already represented.

 

This account does not reflect our experience. Gibraltar NASUWT proactively approached the Ministry of Culture to clarify arrangements for the laying of wreaths, only to be informed that Unite had advised that Gibraltar NASUWT’s attendance was not required, on the basis that they would lay a wreath on behalf of education. This is a matter of serious concern.

 

While Unite represents a range of staff within the Department of Education, including administrative, SNLSA, and ancillary personnel, it is Gibraltar NASUWT that holds collective bargaining rights for the teaching profession, including members of the Senior Leadership Team. The suggestion that a single organisation can unilaterally represent the entirety of the education sector is therefore inappropriate and does not reflect the established professional and industrial landscape.

 

It is particularly disappointing that, despite Gibraltar NASUWT having laid a wreath at last year’s Workers’ Memorial Day ceremony without issue, this year we have effectively been prevented from doing so. The circumstances give the clear impression that participation was restricted in a way that favoured representation exclusively through Unite, rather than allowing for the inclusive recognition that this occasion warrants.

 

Workers’ Memorial Day is intended to be a solemn and unifying event, commemorating workers and reinforcing collective respect across all sectors. It should not be subject to gatekeeping or decisions that exclude legitimate representative bodies. Such actions risk undermining the very purpose of the event and detract from its dignity.

 

In light of this situation, Gibraltar NASUWT believes there should be careful reconsideration within HM Government of Gibraltar regarding the current arrangements for organising this event. The approach taken this year has resulted in an inequitable outcome that does not reflect the principles of fairness and inclusivity.

 

We therefore respectfully propose that responsibility for organising Workers’ Memorial Day be assumed directly by the Ministry of Culture, with clear oversight of invitations and participation. This would help ensure that all relevant organisations are afforded appropriate representation, and that the event is conducted in a manner consistent with its importance and intent.