The left-wing think tank organisation Zminijietna has expressed “deep concern and perplexity” at the argument put forward by the Minister of Finance that the budget measures affecting Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) are ”intended to address concerns among the Maltese population.”
Zminijietna pointed out “that TCNs were invited to Malta to address labour shortages in essential sectors of the economy, many of which are heavily dependent on foreign workers. These include care work, healthcare, hospitality, transport, courier services, cleaning, infrastructure and construction.”
The organisation argued that, ”the contribution of TCNs to these sectors should be recognised, particularly given the important role they play in sustaining essential services and keeping the Maltese economy functioning.”
Zminijietna said that it has also taken note of the Finance Minister’s statement that ”approximately 50% of Third-Country Nationals change employers within a year.”
‘While the Minister presented this as evidence of a dynamic labour market in which workers can seek better opportunities, Zminijietna said that it believes that this figure also raises important questions about ”precariousness, employment stability, and working conditions.”
Rather than treating this situation merely as a ”labour market issue,” the organisation said that it believes that ”greater attention should be given to the working conditions experienced by employees across different sectors. This further reinforces the need for stronger employment protections and sectoral agreements that guarantee decent working conditions for everyone.”
Zminijietna said it also believes that strengthening trade union membership and collective bargaining should be a ”national priority.” With trade union density in Malta standing at approximately 36.5%, and collective bargaining coverage at around 31%, there is a need to extend effective trade union representation and collective agreements across more sectors of the economy. ”This is particularly important for foreign workers and employees in sectors where working conditions and employment security require greater protection.”
Zminijietna maintained that “addressing labour market concerns should focus on improving workers’ rights and conditions rather than placing the burden on Third-Country Nationals, who are themselves workers and an integral part of Malta’s workforce.”
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