The General Workers’ Union has embarked on a programme to improve the working conditions of employees in retail outlets across Malta.

The GWU said that an extensive exercise it had conducted showed that only a small number of owners of retail outlets were adhering to the Wholesale and Retail Trades Regulation Order enacted in 1989. Most of the employees working in retail outlets are being paid less than they should be, according to the law, and are not being paid regularly, while in some cases others are being paid less but receive products in lieu of payment.

The union said there were a number of employees who were working more hours every week but not being paid overtime.

In view of these facts, the GWU’s Services and Media Section has embarked on a programme to improve their working conditions. The union said it was prepared to begin discussions with the organisation which represents business owners in order to improve the working conditions of their employees.

The union said it was preparing a charter of working conditions based on the Wage Regulation Order, the Employment and Industrial Relations Act as well as the basis of various European laws.

The GWU said it will be organising a series of meetings for these workers to explain to them what the union is doing to improve their working conditions.