Good Friday is a day of solemn reflection for many in Malta—a moment in our national calendar when silence reigns, rituals take centre stage, and people pause to remember sacrifice, injustice, and ultimately, hope. While its religious significance is deeply rooted in our culture, Good Friday can also serve as a powerful metaphor for the struggles and aspirations of the Maltese worker today.

The story of Good Friday is one of unjust suffering, of voices silenced, and of those in power turning their gaze away from what is morally right. In many ways, this narrative resonates with the reality that many workers in Malta continue to face—particularly those at the lower end of the wage spectrum, those performing essential but undervalued jobs, and those who feel their concerns fall on deaf ears.

Today, despite Malta’s continued economic growth, too many workers find themselves bearing the weight of a system that prioritises short-term gains over long-term dignity. The Maltese labour market has become increasingly reliant on third-country nationals to fill gaps created not just by labour shortages, but by a deeper issue: the undervaluation of entire sectors. Maltese workers have been systematically driven away from care, hospitality, manufacturing, and other vital areas—primarily due to stagnant wages, limited progression opportunities, and a lack of recognition.

These are sectors which once sustained generations of Maltese families. Today, they are treated as stepping stones or fallback options, not as careers of pride. The consequences are everywhere: staff shortages in education and health, burnout among carers and nurses, and a growing sense of disillusionment among younger generations entering the workforce.

Much like the silence that marks Good Friday, too many workers feel voiceless. It is no coincidence that mental health struggles are on the rise among employees. Work-life balance is often spoken about but rarely experienced, especially in sectors where flexibility is dismissed as a luxury rather than a necessity.

The lesson of Good Friday is not only about hardship. It is also about resilience. It is about standing firm in the face of injustice. It is about refusing to accept that suffering is inevitable.

Now more than ever, unions must be the voice for those who feel silenced. We must be bold in advocating for modern solutions to long-standing problems. This means fighting for a decent level of income across all sectors, ensuring fair contracts and secure employment, and making lifelong learning and career progression a right, not a privilege.

It also means embracing digitalisation—not as a threat, but as a tool to empower workers, inform them of their rights, and bring them together. Whether through AI to analyse complex salary structures or mobile apps to connect with members directly, unions must evolve if we are to remain the safeguard of fairness in a changing world.

Good Friday reminds us of the human cost of looking the other way. But it also reminds us that after every dark day, there is the potential for renewal. Malta’s workers deserve more than survival. They deserve to thrive. And we must ensure that the future we’re building is one where dignity, fairness, and compassion are not the exception—but the rule.

Let us use this day not only to reflect—but to recommit.