Malta Strengthens Workers' Rights Through Training and Coordination Between Enforcement Authorities
Protecting workers' rights and ensuring fair competition between businesses were at the centre of a national training programme for enforcement authorities, organised by the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) in collaboration with the European Labour Authority's National Liaison Officer for Malta and with the support of the European Labour Authority (ELA).
The training brought together representatives from DIER, Jobsplus, Identità, the Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA) and the Malta Police Force, alongside experts from the ELA.
The sessions addressed several key employment issues, including labour mobility, posted workers and temporary employment agencies.
Minister Highlights Stronger Protection for Workers
Addressing participants, Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti highlighted the measures Malta has introduced to strengthen employment regulation and enforcement.
“Malta has taken concrete steps at national level to strengthen the regulatory and enforcement framework in the employment sector. This has been done in response to the changing needs of our labour market and to ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with the protection of workers' rights and fair competition,” Minister Azzopardi Tanti said.
The Minister explained that changes in Malta's labour market have made coordination between enforcement authorities increasingly important.
He also referred to measures introduced to strengthen the supervision of employment agencies, improve protection for temporary workers and increase transparency in wages.
More Than 15 Joint Inspections With European Authorities
Minister Azzopardi Tanti said that cooperation with the European Labour Authority has enabled Maltese authorities to participate in more than 15 joint and coordinated inspections, both in Malta and abroad.
These inspections covered sectors including construction, transport and hospitality.
The collaboration has also included more than 13 study visits, providing opportunities for Maltese officials to exchange experiences and learn from enforcement practices in other European countries.
DIER: First Training Initiative of Its Kind in Malta
DIER Director General Diane Vella Muscat described the programme as the first training initiative of its kind to be held in Malta.
She explained that, with the ELA's support, the programme brought together the country's competent enforcement authorities responsible for working conditions and labour mobility.
According to Vella Muscat, the sessions provided a valuable opportunity for officials to share their everyday experiences, learn from one another and identify ways to strengthen cooperation between their respective organisations.
Improving Enforcement in a Changing Labour Market
The training forms part of the European Labour Authority's ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of national enforcement authorities dealing with labour mobility.
Through the programme, Maltese officials were able to exchange knowledge, discuss practical challenges and develop their ability to respond to changes in the labour market.
The initiative is intended to support more effective cooperation between enforcement bodies, improve the protection of employees and promote fair working conditions and competition across Malta's economy.
Source: Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) / European Labour Authority (ELA).
