Workers’ rights, conditions of employment and industrial relations take centre stage this time of the year when social partners, especially trade unions commemorate Workers’ Day.

The influx of foreign workers, particularly third country nationals, who are being paid low wages, was a major development of the Maltese economy in the last decade. There have been instances whereby these foreign workers landed in Malta, only to be rushed straight away to their place of work. It beggars belief how in a matter of hours they are being expected to start performing their duties, without being briefed or given adequate training. This is neither fair for the employees, who in all probability are overwhelmed and shocked with such a rapid transition nor for those on the receiving end of their services. A case in point is the healthcare sector, whereby these employees who at times have severe language barriers struggle to interact with Maltese patients. Moreover, no training is being provided to help these workers adapt to the local culture, basic communications skills and the job itself.

These points have been raised time and time again, but unfortunately the main players themselves, in this case these third country nationals, are conspicuously absent from this debate. One of the possible reasons, is that these employees are being hindered from joining a trade union as they fear repercussions such as being sent back to their country. Secondly, despite the inferior conditions on offer, a third country national earning the minimum wage, would nonetheless earn double than the corresponding job in their home country, would be very reluctant to rock the boat.

The exploitation of foreign workers is also making collective bargaining harder and leading to worsening conditions for Maltese employees. Consequently, workers are getting less of the “economic cake” when compared to a decade ago. When we abuse foreign workers we are abusing Maltese workers.  Mistreating foreign workers is both a moral and legal abuse and this is how the principle of equal pay for equal work of equal value is true on paper but not in practice.  

The practice of outsourcing and subcontracting for core operations of businesses to make a quick buck is also contributing to make the situation worse on three levels.   Maltese employees are losing out on certain jobs, foreign workers are being abused, while the employers at times are being held at ransom by the ‘suppliers’ of these foreign workers.

This is why mandatory trade union membership for low-income workers should be seriously explored. Otherwise, we run the risk of meeting in a year’s time and repeat the same arguments. That is why it is time to stop preaching to the converted.