The General Workers Union has always been at the forefront on the subject of exploitation of migrant workers. Union secretary general Tony Zarb has made it a point to at least refer to the issue often times in his public appearances.

And therefore it was no surprise that the union thought it fit to publish a document on the subject, a policy paper that does not beat about the bush in pointing fingers at the government and other institutions, including the Church, who according to the union are giving their back to the problem.

The union highlighted the various problems that exploited migrant workers have to face each and every day, simply because they are not afforded the same rights as other Maltese workers, who are probably doing the same job.

It is a form of cheap labour, Mr Zarb emphasised during the press conference on Monday, a phenomenon that seemed to be under control but is now rearing its head again. This, the union has said, is being done using charitable motives as an excuse, but the union believes that the lowering of working conditions will ultimately affect also Maltese employees too.

The union secretary general has also said that these workers do not report abuse, simply because they are afraid of losing their job. Their argument is that it is better to get a few euros a day to keep going, rather than risk losing everything when they ask for more. The story of Oliver Twist quickly comes to mind.

Mr Zarb also mentioned situations when irregular migrant workers are injured at the workplace and yet can seek no benefits while they are unfit to continue their job.

The influx of irregular migrants to our country – some of whom end up living here on a permanent basis, and who seek to do menial jobs in order to earn a living – has of course exacerbated this problem. It must also be said that the issue is one that is very complex and no magic wand will resolve the matter quickly.

There has to be a concerted effort from all the stakeholders for a long-term solution to be found. First of all, there must be a political commitment to curb this abuse and, judging by what the union document has said, this seems to be quite lacking. Secondly, once this political commitment is in place, then there must be a will to implement the rules and regulations that are, after all, intended to safeguard the rights of the workers.

It would be interesting to know what the reaction of employers’ associations will be to the GWU document. Normally, such organisations are quick to reply to statements that are made with regard to employment conditions. One now expects them to respond to what the union has made public in a bid to find common ground.

It would be equally interesting to see how the Church will be responding to what Mr Zarb has said about some of its entities employing workers at lower rates of pay. The Church regularly preaches about the rights, conditions and dignity of workers, and it should therefore give an explanation about what Mr Zarb said during Monday’s conference.

The exploitation of migrant workers is a problem that will only grow unless it is tackled. The GWU should receive support from other unions on the subject, and its pleas for greater awareness should not be put aside.

The union is planning a national conference on the subject later this year, where all the stakeholders will be invited to share their views and hopefully start the ball rolling towards a solution.