The Malta Independent 12 November 2024, Tuesday
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Trade unions play pivotal role in shaping policies to address disparities – GWU chief

Thursday, 3 October 2024, 11:29 Last update: about 2 months ago

Automatic unionisation will allow workers to benefit from better wages and better job security, General Workers' Union secretary general Josef Bugeja said Thursday.

"Let's stop unfair working conditions and exploitation," he said, in reaction to the introduction of automatic union membership announced by the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul.

"The GWU has been calling for automatic trade union membership since our National Congress in 2017 and after that, in our pre-budget document. We have presented research and studies to all social partners and the Malta Council for Economic and Social Committee.

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"Automatic unionisation will allow workers to benefit from better wages, better job security, better safety at work, and better hours, allowing them to take care of themselves and their families. In this way, Malta will also be fulfilling part of the Adequate Minimum Wage directive, which states that 80% of the workforce needs to have collective bargaining coverage."

Bugeja said this was a step that showed the important role trade unions play in today's society, acting as a shield against the unscrupulous practices that tarnish workers' lives, and to elevate the working conditions and the quality of life of all.

"This is a pragmatic solution, a form of supervision that will empower individuals and collectively address workplace injustices. It is a proactive step, especially for young workers and professionals stepping into the world of work," Bugeja said.


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