MEP Simon Busuttil welcomed the setting up of a working group by the government to look into how Maltese law on fixed-term contracts can be changed to come in line with EU law.

According to Maltese law, workers engaged on a fixed-term contract for a period exceeding four years are entitled to an indefinite contract. However, the law applies only to private sector workers and specifically excludes public sector workers.

Dr Busuttil had objected to this exclusion claiming that EU law does not make a distinction between private and public sector workers. He intervened as a result of several complaints from public sector workers and brought the matter to the attention of the European Commission through Parliamentary Questions.

His position was recently taken up by the Commission which asked the Maltese Government to change the Maltese legislation on the matter.

“I am very happy that the government is reviewing this situation. Once EU law gives a right to a worker, it should apply to all workers. There is no reason why workers in the public sector should be excluded,” Dr Busuttil said.

“I look forward to the conclusions of this working group and I hope that this situation can be rectified as soon as possible,” he said.