Imagine this: You’re a hardworking Maltese professional, toiling away at a job you’ve held for years. Yet, every time your contract rolls around, you’re left in limbo, unsure if you’ll still have a job next month. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s a harsh reality for many Maltese workers. But what if we told you there’s a movement afoot to change this?

In Malta, ‘definite’ contracts, meant to provide job security, often don’t. Employers can choose not to renew them, leaving workers in a state of perpetual uncertainty. This isn’t just about job security; it’s about planning, about life decisions – whether to buy a house, start a family, or simply enjoy a holiday without the looming dread of joblessness.

Take Maria, a 35-year-old marketing professional from Birkirkara. She’s been on definite contracts since she started working eight years ago. “Every time my contract is up, I’m stressed,” she says. “I’ve seen colleagues let go with no notice, no severance. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the disruption to your life.”

Enter Momentum, a local NGO advocating for workers’ rights. They’re pushing for reforms to definite contracts, arguing that the current system is unfair and unsustainable. Their proposal? To extend the minimum notice period for non-renewal from one month to three, and to introduce severance pay for those let go without cause.

“We’re not asking for the impossible,” says Momentum’s director, Joseph Borg. “We’re asking for fairness. Workers deserve peace of mind, and employers deserve stability too. This isn’t about making it harder to fire people; it’s about encouraging long-term planning and commitment.”

Momentum’s campaign has gained traction, with support from both Opposition and Government MPs. Labour MP Jason Azzopardi has tabled a private member’s bill echoing Momentum’s proposals. “This isn’t a political issue,” he says. “It’s about protecting workers and encouraging economic stability.”

But change won’t happen overnight. The bill is still in its early stages, and employers’ groups have raised concerns about potential burdens on businesses. Yet, Momentum remains undeterred. “We’re in this for the long haul,” says Borg. “We won’t stop until we see real change.”

So, what does the future hold for Malta’s workers? . But one thing’s certain: the conversation around definite contracts is far from over. And with Momentum leading the charge, it’s a conversation that’s set to get louder and more insistent.

If you’re a Maltese worker feeling the pinch of definite contracts, or an employer interested in shaping a fairer system, now’s the time to speak up. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #FairContractsMalta. Together, we can push for a future where no Maltese worker lives in sustained uncertainty.