Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul addressed an international conference organised by the European Labour Authority (ELA) in collaboration with the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) and the National Liaison Officer for Malta, marking the first occurrence of such an event in Malta. This conference served as a platform for European representatives in the employment sector to engage in discussions regarding workers’ rights and the evolving landscape of employment.
Parliamentary Secretary Ellul emphasised the significance of workers’ rights as a unifying factor that transcends political ideologies, underscoring the collective responsibility to maintain a fair and equitable work environment for both employees and employers. Expressing gratitude to DIER for their recent efforts, he acknowledged the introduction of various laws aimed at fortifying workers’ rights and improving working conditions.
Parliamentary Secretary Ellul reiterated the commitment to ongoing legislative measures that bolster the rights and conditions of workers in the country. Furthermore, in addition to the various social measures outlined in the 2024 Budget, the government has also reinforced the national minimum wage, underscoring its unwavering dedication to enhancing the wellbeing and conditions of our workforce.
Addressing the legislation pertaining to the Digital Platform workers, Parliamentary Secretary Ellul highlighted the proactive stance of the government, which has granted statutory rights to these workers. He noted that at the European level, such legislation is still under discussion. Emphasising the broader context of legislative reforms, he mentioned the government’s comprehensive efforts to modernise the entire spectrum of sectoral laws governing the world of work.
Looking ahead, Parliamentary Secretary Ellul expressed anticipation for the imminent enforcement of the law regulating employment agencies. The objective of this law is to cultivate a more robust and progressive sector, ensuring that only high-quality workers enter the country and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
The conference was attended by DIER General Director Diane Vella Muscat and various social partners. In her address, Ms Vella Muscat commended the department’s exemplary work in safeguarding workers’ rights and their pivotal role in implementing directives and laws that enhance the work environment in Malta.
Photo: OPM_PS
