Malta’s Workers in Limbo: The Case for Definite Contracts

Imagine this: You’ve been working at the same job in Malta for over two years, but your contract keeps rolling over on a monthly basis. You’ve proven your worth, you’ve grown with the company, but you’re still stuck in a state of sustained uncertainty. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s a reality for thousands of Maltese workers. Now, a local NGO is pushing for a change that could finally give these workers the security they deserve.

Definite Contracts: A Foreign Concept?

In many other European countries, it’s standard practice for employers to offer definite contracts after a trial period. This means that once a worker has proven themselves, they’re offered a contract that extends beyond the initial probationary period. In Malta, however, this isn’t always the case. Many employers continue to renew contracts on a monthly basis, leaving workers in a state of perpetual uncertainty.

Momentum, a local NGO focused on workers’ rights, is campaigning to change this. They’re pushing for a legal reform that would require employers to offer definite contracts after a certain period. But why is this change necessary, and what does it mean for Malta’s workers?

Sustained Uncertainty: The Impact on Workers

Working without the security of a definite contract can take a significant toll on workers. The constant uncertainty can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. It can also make it difficult for workers to plan for the future, whether that means starting a family, buying a home, or simply knowing where you’ll be working next month.

the lack of job security can also lead to a lack of job satisfaction. When you’re constantly worried about your job, it’s hard to feel invested in your work. This can lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in turnover, which can ultimately harm employers as well.

Reform in Action: What the Change Could Mean

Momentum is proposing a reform that would require employers to offer definite contracts after a probationary period of six months. This would give workers the security they need to plan for the future and feel invested in their jobs. It would also give employers the stability they need to plan for their workforce.

But what does this mean in practical terms? Let’s say you’re a worker at a popular café in Paceville. You’ve been there for over a year, but your contract keeps rolling over on a monthly basis. Under the proposed reform, after six months, you would be offered a definite contract. This would give you the security you need to start planning for the future, whether that means saving for a deposit on a flat in St. Julian’s or starting a family.

Of course, this reform isn’t without its challenges. Some employers may resist the change, arguing that it would limit their flexibility. However, Momentum argues that the benefits of the reform would far outweigh the costs. After all, a happy, secure workforce is a productive workforce.

So, what can you do to support this change? Momentum is encouraging workers and employers alike to sign their petition, which can be found on their website. They’re also encouraging people to share their stories on social media using the hashtag #DefiniteContractsMalta.

As one worker put it, “I’ve been working at the same job for over two years, but I still don’t know if I’ll have a job next month. It’s time for that to change.”

Let’s make sure it does.