Malta’s ‘Job insecurity’ Hotline: 1,200 Calls in 2021

Imagine this: It’s 8 pm, you’re sitting at Triton Square in Sliema, scrolling through your phone, wondering if your contract will be renewed next month. You’re not alone. In 2021, Malta’s ‘job insecurity’ hotline received over 1,200 calls, a stark reminder of the sustained uncertainty many Maltese workers face.

Definite Contracts: The Uncertain Certainty

Definite contracts, meant to provide clarity, often leave workers in limbo. These contracts, valid for a fixed period, can be renewed, but there’s no guarantee. This uncertainty is taking a toll on Maltese workers, with many feeling trapped in a cycle of insecurity.

“I’ve been on definite contracts for five years now,” says Maria*, a marketing professional from Birkirkara. “I’ve had to turn down job offers because I couldn’t risk leaving my current job, only to find out my contract won’t be renewed.”

Momentum Calls for Reform

Trade union Momentum is leading the charge for reform. They argue that definite contracts should be made more predictable, with clearer rules on renewals. “Workers deserve stability and security,” says Marvin Formosa, Momentum’s General Secretary. “Definite contracts should not mean indefinite uncertainty.”

Momentum is calling for a minimum renewal period of two years, with automatic renewals unless the employer provides a valid reason for non-renewal. They also propose that employers should bear the burden of proof in such cases.

Government Response: A Work in Progress

The government is currently reviewing employment laws, with a focus on improving work-life balance and job security. While they’ve acknowledged the issue of definite contracts, no concrete changes have been announced yet.

“We’re committed to ensuring fair and stable employment conditions for all Maltese workers,” says Chris Agius, Minister for Labour, Inclusion and Social Wellbeing. “We’re actively engaging with stakeholders, including Momentum, to find the best solutions.”

As the review continues, workers like Maria wait, hoping for change. “I just want to know I’ll have a job next month, next year,” she says. “Is that too much to ask?”

if the government’s review will bring the changes Momentum and many Maltese workers are hoping for. But one thing is clear: the uncertainty surrounding definite contracts is a reality that can’t be ignored.

*Name changed to protect identity