Malta Strengthens Global Semiconductor Position With STMicroelectronics’ Project KKO

May 8 2025

Malta has reached a significant milestone in its economic transformation with the inauguration of STMicroelectronics’ Project KKO, solidifying the country’s status as a strategic player in the global semiconductor sector. The upgraded ST Malta facility is now officially recognised as the EU’s first advanced manufacturing backend plant, integrating cutting-edge automation and precision engineering.

STMicroelectronics President Fabio Gualandris hailed the Kirkop plant as one of the group’s most productive globally. Just seven years ago, the site faced closure, today, it thrives thanks to strong government support and Malta’s growing talent pool.

Minister for the Economy Silvio Schembri described the investment as a testament to Malta Vision 2050, positioning Malta as a hub for sustainable, high-value industry. ST is also leading efforts in digitalisation and AI-driven manufacturing, while supporting upskilling through education partnerships.

The plant employs over 1,600 professionals and contributes significantly to Malta’s €1.2 billion in semiconductor exports. Looking ahead, Malta will establish its first National Competence Centre for Semiconductors.

Minister Miriam Dalli praised ST’s environmental leadership with a new water treatment facility, showcasing how advanced manufacturing can align with sustainability. The project represents a powerful example of industry-driven innovation for Malta’s future.

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Anġlu Farrugia Urges Solidarity As National Blood Drive Marks 69 Years Of Social Security

May 8 2025

Every drop of blood is a drop of hope,” said Speaker of the House Anġlu Farrugia during a recent blood donation initiative held in Valletta. The event, organised by the National Blood Transfusion Service in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker and the Department of Social Security, marked the 69th anniversary of the department’s establishment.

The mobile blood unit was stationed in the capital to encourage donations from visitors, with Speaker Farrugia emphasizing that blood donation is a powerful act of love and responsibility. He urged citizens to show generosity, noting that a single donation can make the difference between life and death.

Farrugia also reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis and this year’s Jubilee of Hope, which calls for solidarity, charity, and generosity. The initiative saw strong participation from employees of the Department of Social Security and Parliament, reflecting a unified commitment to support the national blood supply.

Also addressing the event were Minister Michael Falzon, Government Whip Naomi Cachia, and Opposition Spokesperson for Health Adrian Delia. They echoed the Speaker’s call, appealing to the public to donate blood and help meet the country’s medical needs.

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Agius Saliba To Lead EU Talks On Disability Rights And Workplace Algorithms

May 8 2025

Labour MEP and Deputy Leader Alex Agius Saliba has been appointed lead negotiator for two significant initiatives in the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). The initiatives aim to strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities and to regulate the use of algorithms in the workplace.

Representing the Socialists and Democrats group, Agius Saliba will steer negotiations on the EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities post-2024 and a separate report tackling Digitalisation, AI, and Algorithmic Management at Work. He highlighted the urgent need for a solid regulatory framework to ensure rights for persons with disabilities are fully enforced across the EU, and for workers to be protected from invasive data practices.

“These proposals must go beyond promises and be transformed into real legislation and action,” he said, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Agius Saliba warned against allowing technology to lead to “modern-day slavery,” calling for workers’ dignity and privacy to be prioritised.

He emphasised the EU’s duty to lead globally on inclusion and labour protections, stating, “It is our responsibility to turn these values into reality, not just with words, but with action.”

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Around 200 Food Couriers Join General Worker’s Union

May 8 2025

Around two hundred food couriers employed by Wolt have joined the General Worker’s Union to advocate for their rights and interests.

Recently, these workers have voiced concerns regarding their wages and benefits, prompting them to join the General Woker’s Union for better protection.

Last Wednesday, a meeting was held at the GWU building to discuss the organisation of these couriers.

Kevin Abela, Secretary of the GWU Food and Hospitality Section, emphasised the importance of proper organisation and assured workers that the union is dedicated to safeguarding their rights.

“The clear message was that we need to organise ourselves effectively and that the union will help them obtain what is rightfully theirs,” said Abela.

He also mentioned that another meeting is scheduled for next week, for which he will attend along with a small group of individuals who will compile all their requests into a single document. This document will then be submitted to Wolt and other companies that employ these couriers.

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