Stuck in Limbo: Malta’s Definite Contracts and the Workers’ Uncertainty Dilemma

Imagine this: It’s 5 PM on a Friday, and you’re finally done with another week of work. But unlike your colleagues, you don’t have the luxury of knowing what next week will bring. You’re one of the many Maltese workers tied to ‘definite contracts’ that can be terminated with just a few days’ notice. This is not a dystopian scenario, but a reality for thousands of workers in Malta. Now, a local NGO is pushing for reform, arguing that these contracts are causing ‘sustained uncertainty’ for workers.

Understanding Definite Contracts

Definite contracts, or ‘kontratti definiti’ in Maltese, are temporary employment agreements that can last from a few days to two years. While they offer flexibility to employers, they leave workers in a state of perpetual uncertainty. These contracts can be terminated by employers without giving a reason, and with as little as six days’ notice. This lack of job security can have serious implications on workers’ lives, affecting their financial planning, housing, and even mental health.

Take the case of Maria, a 35-year-old marketing professional who has been on definite contracts for the past five years. “I’ve had to move four times because I never knew if I’d have a job the next month,” she says. “It’s not just the stress of not knowing if you’ll have an income, but also the constant uprooting. It’s exhausting.”

Momentum’s Call for Reform

Momentum, a local NGO advocating for workers’ rights, is at the forefront of the campaign to reform definite contracts. They argue that the current system is unfair and unsustainable. “Definite contracts were meant to be a tool for employers to manage peak periods,” says Rebecca Callus, Momentum’s director. “But they’ve been abused and are now used to avoid hiring permanent staff, leaving workers in a state of constant uncertainty.”

Momentum is proposing a series of reforms, including extending the notice period for termination, limiting the use of definite contracts, and providing better protection for workers against unfair dismissal. They also want to see the introduction of ‘open-ended’ contracts, which would give workers the security of knowing their job is permanent, unless they’re given a good reason for dismissal.

Employers: Flexibility vs Uncertainty

Employers argue that definite contracts give them the flexibility they need to manage their workforce effectively. “We can’t predict how busy we’ll be from one month to the next,” says Joseph Xuereb, the CEO of a local retail chain. “Definite contracts allow us to adjust our staffing levels according to demand.”

However, Momentum counters that this flexibility comes at a high cost for workers. “Employers should have the flexibility they need, but not at the expense of workers’ well-being and job security,” says Callus. “We’re not asking for the impossible. We’re asking for a balance that respects the rights of both employers and workers.”

Xuereb agrees that a balance needs to be struck, but he’s skeptical about how these reforms would work in practice. “We need to be careful not to tie employers’ hands too much,” he says. “Otherwise, we might end up hurting the very people we’re trying to protect.”

: The Road to Reform

The road to reforming definite contracts is likely to be a long and winding one. The Malta Employers’ Association has already expressed its opposition to Momentum’s proposals, arguing that they would stifle businesses’ ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Despite this, Momentum remains optimistic. “We’re not naive,” says Callus. “We know this won’t be easy. But we’re committed to fighting for a fairer system that respects workers’ rights and provides them with the security they deserve.”

As for Maria, she’s hopeful that change is coming. “I’ve been on definite contracts for too long,” she says. “I just want to know that I’ll have a job next month, so I can plan my life and have some peace of mind.”

If you’re a worker affected by definite contracts, Momentum encourages you to share your story. Together, they hope to build a strong case for reform and convince policymakers to act. After all, as Callus puts it, “Every voice counts in this fight for fairness and security.”

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“metaDescription”: “Momentum pushes for reform of Malta’s definite contracts, arguing they cause ‘sustained uncertainty’ for workers. Learn about the proposals and the debate around job security vs employer flexibility.”,
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