
The 2024 Annual Report of the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) highlights significant progress in enhancing workers’ rights and conditions.
Presented by Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Dr. Andy Ellul, the report outlines key reforms, including regulations on Employment Agencies, the Work-Life Balance Directive, Paternity, Parental, and Carers’ Leave, as well as a historic National Minimum Wage agreement.
The introduction of the Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value Act further emphasises workplace fairness.
DIER has ramped up enforcement to ensure these laws are upheld. Investigations into digital platform workers, such as food couriers, led to actions against five out of 44 companies for failing to cooperate, ensuring workers received better conditions like minimum wage, bonuses, paid leave, and overtime.
Dr. Ellul also highlighted a new unit within DIER to assist employment agencies and ensure rigorous checks on applicants. The tightening of regulations has reduced the number of licensed employment agencies, with 145 licenses issued in 2024.
The report also shows that DIER’s inspectorate recovered €1.6 million in unpaid wages and assisted over 43,000 individuals, acting as a bridge between trade unions and employers. Dr. Ellul stressed that the government’s approach protects workers while supporting employers.
On the international front, DIER’s involvement in organisations like the European Labour Authority (ELA), ILO, and Eurofound reflects its commitment to the sustainability of Malta’s labor market. Dr. Ellul concluded by emphasising that justice, equity, and worker protection are essential for the country’s economic and social development.
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