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Malta Chamber of Commerce Urges Government to Address Employment Abuse
Last changed: August 01 2024 06:54 by PCLMedia
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise, and Industry has called on the government to tackle employment abuse, enforce existing laws, and ensure transparency in the employment of Third-Country Nationals (TCNs).
Emphasizing the need for ethical employment practices, the Chamber highlighted Malta’s significant reliance on migrant workers. Key sectors such as healthcare, elderly care, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and financial services depend heavily on TCNs due to a local workforce shortage.
This reliance underscores the urgent need for a strategic workforce plan that balances human resource demands with the country’s sustainable capacity.
The Chamber condemned unethical practices where businesses exploit TCN workers. Recent investigations revealed that some companies are illegally employing TCNs, violating contracts, and subjecting workers to poor conditions. These practices violate workers’ rights and create unfair competition for businesses that adhere to legal and ethical standards.
Reports have surfaced of workers being charged exorbitant fees by recruitment agencies, underpaid, and subjected to inadequate working conditions. Some companies employ TCNs without proper contracts, leading to workers being paid less than the minimum wage or being denied basic rights and protections.
The Chamber called for a clear distinction between ethical businesses that comply with employment laws and those exploiting legal loopholes. Entities such as Jobsplus, Identita’, and the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER), which are responsible for work permits, regulation, and monitoring employment practices, must identify and address these abuses, the Chamber added.
The Chamber urged for continued vigilance and robust action to ensure that all businesses operate on a level playing field, respecting legal standards and workers’ rights. Additionally, it called for greater transparency by releasing data from recent skills surveys to identify specific labor market needs.
Moreover, the Chamber advocated for stronger enforcement of labor laws and increased dialogue with stakeholders, including the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), to ensure fair and effective policy implementation. This collaborative approach is essential to creating a sustainable and equitable environment for all sectors of the economy.
The Chamber emphasized that TCNs should be employed only where there is a demonstrable labor market need, including in government jobs, justified by genuine necessity. The reliance on migrant workers highlights the importance of a strategic workforce plan that addresses these shortages and ensures a balance between human resource needs and the country’s sustainable capacity.
Additional Information:
1. Economic Impact of TCNs:
- Third-Country Nationals play a crucial role in Malta’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP growth and filling critical gaps in various sectors. Their presence helps maintain the competitiveness of industries like tourism and manufacturing.
2. Government Initiatives:
- The Maltese government has introduced several initiatives to regulate the employment of TCNs, including stricter visa regulations and enhanced monitoring of recruitment agencies. These measures aim to prevent exploitation and ensure fair treatment.
3. Legal Framework:
- Malta’s legal framework includes provisions for the protection of TCN workers under the Employment and Industrial Relations Act. The act mandates fair wages, decent working conditions, and access to legal recourse for all workers, regardless of nationality.
4. Challenges and Solutions:
- One of the main challenges in regulating the employment of TCNs is the enforcement of existing laws. The Chamber suggests that increasing the resources and capacity of regulatory bodies like DIER could enhance enforcement efforts.
- Strengthening partnerships between the government, private sector, and NGOs can also improve oversight and support for TCNs.
5. Global Context:
- The issue of TCN employment abuse is not unique to Malta. Many countries facing labor shortages rely on migrant workers, leading to similar challenges. International cooperation and adherence to global labor standards can help address these issues effectively.
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