The Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, together with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Social Dialogue, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the General Workers Union (GWU) and the Malta Delivery Fleet Operators Association (MDFOA).
This agreement will establish a clear framework for the working conditions of food couriers in Malta. The MOU states that by 1 January 2026, collective agreements will be concluded with all member operators of the MDFOA, in order to regulate conditions such as basic wages, working hours, overtime payments, the mandatory adoption of non-cash payments, and employee union membership. The agreement also makes clear the obligation of transparent remuneration that includes basic salary, overtime and statutory bonuses. This agreement is directly in line with the Labour Migration Policy, which aims to create a clear and accountable system for the employment of foreign workers in Malta, with control in the hands of the Maltese authorities.
The Labour Migration Policy places emphasis on the protection of the rights of all workers and stresses that the arrival of foreign workers should not lead to a lowering of standards or rights in the workplace for workers in our country. This serves as a guarantee that the sector remains competitive but also fair, and that all workers are given the same level of dignity and protection. The new agreement responds to this reality by introducing uniform standards for all operators and strengthening the role of local authorities in verification and enforcement.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri reiterated that we have come this far because the Government has not been afraid to take tough decisions, which have brought everyone involved to a table to discuss, together with the GWU on behalf of the workers. He maintained that this step is part of a broader Government policy that protects the rights of all workers, because when one worker faces poor conditions, all workers suffer – including Maltese and Gozitan workers.
He acknowledged the important role of the GWU in giving a voice to many new workers in the market, as well as the commitment of operators who are welcoming this transition towards clearer regulation. Minister Byron Camilleri explained that, “This agreement is a clear step that shows how the Labour Migration Policy is being transformed into concrete action that protects the rights of all workers in our country, from which Maltese and Gozitan workers also benefit. We have been very tough in this sector and we did not hesitate to decide when we saw that there was abuse. We will continue to do so. We are building a modern, regulated and sustainable labour market that gives value to the worker, regardless of where they come from.”
Minister Camilleri warned all those working in the sector that the Government will remain vigilant to ensure that no one goes through the window instead of the door. He maintained that the Government will not tolerate a situation where employers under good conditions such as those agreed today are disadvantaged when competing with those who do not pay attention to workers’ rights. He warned that if anyone is found to be doing so, he will decide again on this sector, as he did a few months ago.
Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul said that this agreement is another important step in the Government’s work to ensure that every worker is given the dignity and protection they deserve. He explained how the reforms that have taken place in the last two years were not made by chance but were the result of a clear vision, that of creating a modern, serious and fair labour market. He added that with this agreement we are now seeing the concrete fruits of that work with direct benefits for hundreds of workers.
Dr Ellul reiterated that this is a clear example of how politics is made when there is seriousness, wisdom and genuine commitment. He emphasised that the agreement today not only provides better conditions but also strengthens a culture of responsibility and a high level of professionalism in the sector. Parliamentary Secretary Ellul concluded by saying, “The Government is committed to continuing to work in this sector to ensure that Malta maintains its place at the top in terms of workers’ rights.”
The MOU also prioritizes occupational health and safety, by introducing mandatory training, reporting mechanisms, risk assessments and adequate protective equipment for couriers.
Photo: DOI/MHSE/OPM_PS
