Health & Safety rises to the top of the agenda when the worst occurs. Otherwise, it is hardly ever discussed on a national platform; as if it is a secondary subject which is given attention, upon which we need to score some marks. But this attitude is completely wrong, as we believe that Health & Safety awareness in all its aspects should be the priority of every employer and employee not just at the induction of a job but on a continuous basis in a structured and well-recorded manner throughout the years.

One aspect of H&S is Occupational Stress. The notion that H&S relates only to physical accidents at work is just part of the problem. Stress, in various aspects, affects our behaviour, our relationship with others, our job performance and end results. It affects employees in all grades from top management downwards. It has no respect for the salary you earn or your position within the organization, and it builds up gradually.

Presently, the Covid-19 scenario is surely damaging our work force. Reduced working hours, reduced salaries, termination of employment, on the job restrictions, job security, loss of sales are all negatively affecting our work force.

Adding to these health issues we then have discrimination and harassment which not only harm the person but also effect the organization’s operability and image. And believe me, these are not one-offs!

Recent examples are the hundreds of iGaming employees who were sacked. Now in this particular situation the Government and the MGA were aware of such move. Is it not starnge that the Government knew that there was going to be a sale of the compay and did not ensure that the employees will be absorbed by the new company, that this was to be a simple transfer of business? This should be a wake up call of what may be the first of many similar situations to come, and governemnt should ensure that all employees have at least a valid work contract ensuring their best intrests. If creating an emergency number they can call was the best the Government can do, we are in for a disaster! Ex-employees had to enrol in a union to ensure their termination benefits. Government had nothing to say on the fact that employees were employeed without a work contract...

Action should have been taken months ago to try and save their jobs!

This is all just a PR exercise in which unfortunately for our society, this Government is not just an expert but also a big spender – spending money which, of course, is sourced from the taxes we pay to undertake PR which is being used to cover up numerous mistakes which are being paid for by honest workers.

Is the Government leading by example with regards to the psychological hazards around us? Or is it just taking our employees and business community for a ride? How did the Government tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and the measures taken to minimise the risk of the virus? Why was tele-working a priority during the first wave of this pandemic and discarded during the second and much worse tsunami?

Although we understand that there is no manual on how to handle such a pandemic, the Government has, by its words and actions, or lack of them, shown how to mishandle the situation. 

The inaction by this Government is simply adding to the occupational stress that employees are going through. Just look at the front-liners; they are by now over-worked, working never-ending hours to provide a service to the whole community. Were they compensated for their extra-mile? Has the Government taken the Opposition’s suggestion to at least show an appreciation for their work? No way!

These front liners together with all those employees within the tourism and catering industry who lost their jobs and others who during this pandemic are being discriminated and harassed in so many different ways need psychological support. They need comfort. They must be helped and listened to by the competent H&S officers within the OHSA.

We must be pro active in such measures. Mental and psychological well-being ensures a healthy society and a strong workplace. Giving employees a lip-service is surely not enough. They need action. And they need it NOW!

Ivan Castillo - Candidate 12th District & President  Workers Branch PN (SĦPN)