The opening line of any book worth reading is usually very indicative of the character of its author and the general direction of the storyline. The same can be said for Malta's most important document, the Republic's constitution, which unequivocally declares in its very first provision that Malta is a democratic state founded on work.
This introductory declaration is not unique to Malta, as it echoes that of the constitution of the neighbouring Republic of Italy, which rose from the ashes of humiliation and defeat in the second world war through the efforts of organized and resilient workers' movements scattered around the peninsula, most notably the CGIL, which tore down the fascist and monarchic status-quo once and for all.
Likewise, the importance of local labour movements in our political history cannot be understated and I affectionately salute the memory of the heroes who risked life and limb in the 1958 riots ordered by the General Workers Union. Back then, our forefathers had to fight tooth and nail for the rights we nowadays take for granted and were successful in planting the seeds of a free and independent nation which has flourished over the past five decades.
The struggle for workers' rights did not end with Malta's independence and subsequent freedom from the yoke of British imperialism, nor did it end with Malta's accession to the European Union. This is a timeless battle which is shaped by rapidly shifting contemporary political and socio-economic undercurrents. In today's globalised world, the barriers to workers' rights have changed dramatically, with zero-hour contracts and other precarious conditions being forced upon workers by large and powerful multinational companies, often distorting the labour market whilst putting the livelihoods of responsible employers and employees in family run-businesses and small-to-medium enterprises at greater risk than ever before.
Malta is no exception to these global trends because our country does not exist in an isolated bubble, as the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has made abundantly clear in the past two months.
During this strange period of social distancing, we can now recognize more than ever, the centrality of work to our well-being as humans. Apart from helping us in meeting our material needs, work provides a sense of fulfilment, purpose and pride. The State must ensure that everyone has adequate access to the labour market, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, social, political or ethnic background, and that employment conditions are respected and adhered to by all employers. Undoubtedly, it is of paramount importance that we extend a hand of solidarity to struggling businesses and entrepreneurs, but we must never ignore the welfare of the voiceless workers who often carry their own burdens on the side-lines, far away from the public eye.
The profile of the modern-day worker in Malta has changed considerably from the worker who took to the streets on that fateful 28th April. Luckily, the male breadwinner model has been consigned to the annals of history, and today's families are encouraged and incentivised to share the responsibilities of gainful employment fairly and equally. However, there is still work to be done before we can say that we have attained our targets for female participation in the labour market and the introduction of paternal leave or enhanced parental leave could be one such step in the right direction. COVID-19 has also accelerated the processes of digitalisation in many workplaces, and more efficient means of tele-working may also prove to be indispensable tools in our fight for more flexible working arrangements for young families and working parents.
Ahead of the annual festivities for Workers' Day, it is essential that we honour the successes of yesteryear whilst remaining vigilant against the threats of tomorrow. Technological advances and the need for a swift economic recovery should not become the pretext for the abandonment or relaxation of our hard-earned workers' rights. I am proud to form part of a cabinet led by Dr. Robert Abela who has pledged to uphold and ensure the principle of equal pay for equal work for all. I find comfort in the knowledge that the spirit of the workers' movement of 1958 remains alive and kicking in the the Labour Party of today, and believe that it is our duty to pass this blazing torch of working class solidarity to the future generations.