Malta Employers’ Association Criticises Alex Borg’s Four-Day Work Week Proposal

The Malta Employers’ Association (MEA) has warned political parties to exercise caution with proposals that could worsen existing labour shortages as the country approaches a general election. The caution comes amid renewed calls by Opposition Leader Alex Borg to implement a four-day work week, starting with public sector employees.

MEA highlighted concerns that more favourable working conditions in the public sector could create a two-tier system, undermining the competitiveness of Malta’s economy.

Unlike private businesses, the public sector is not subject to commercial pressures that drive efficiency and innovation, the Association notes, and policies must ensure it does not become a haven for inefficiency or inflexibility. Such disparities, MEA warns, could erode morale in the private sector and encourage talent to migrate to public employment.

The Association also raised concerns about flexible working arrangements, suggesting they may underestimate potential productivity losses. In a climate of acute worker shortages, reducing hours could necessitate a larger workforce and increase reliance on imported labour, running counter to national objectives for sustainable population growth. MEA cited experiences from other EU countries, where trials of the four-day work week led to productivity declines and operational challenges, requiring subsequent policy reversals.

Meanwhile, Alex Borg has renewed his call for a four-day work week in Malta’s public sector.

Speaking during a televised interview on Net TV, Borg proposed testing the initiative in selected government departments first. He suggested that if the trial improves efficiency, productivity, and returns, the government could then encourage private sector adoption, while also improving work-life balance for employees.

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