The Right To Disconnect To Be Submitted For Public Consultation

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul, has launched a national discussion on the Right to Disconnect the right of employees to disengage from work after official working hours and spend quality time with their families. The initiative aims to promote a healthier balance between professional and personal life for Maltese workers.

Ellul emphasised that this is only the starting point of the discussion, highlighting that Malta must, in the spirit of social dialogue, develop a model that fits its specific circumstances.

The debate will lead to a public consultation, giving the Government the chance to hear directly from workers, employers, social partners, and, crucially, families. Ellul explained that the goal is to create a balanced framework adapted to Malta’s local realities.

At the conference, Ellul also announced that he will be requesting the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) to discuss the topic in the coming days. This, he said, would be the first step towards a structured social dialogue on how the measure can be implemented effectively and sustainably for everyone’s benefit.

“The challenge before us today is not whether we should recognise the Right to Disconnect — as European legislation on this is imminent but which model we will adopt to achieve a balance that makes sense for our country,” Ellul stated.

He concluded by expressing confidence that, through open dialogue, Malta can once again take the lead in shaping modern work-related policies. In the months ahead, he hopes to see a national discussion on how Malta can continue to strengthen work-life balance and introduce more family-friendly measures in the workplace.

Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, noted that the conference provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of the Right to Disconnect with social partners a debate also taking place at European level.

“In Malta, we have long spoken about the need for a better balance between work and family life. This issue is now firmly at the top of the national agenda, driven by growing awareness of its importance,” said Buttigieg.

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