The Malta Employers' Association has said that it is not objecting to higher fines for employers who breach employment laws as being proposed in legal amendments that will start being debated in parliament on Monday.

It was reacting to an announcement regarding legal amendments that was made by the government.

The MEA said that it "stands by the principle of good governance as long as this is backed by effective and impartial enforcement"

"Better enforcement structures are conducive to a level playing field amongst employers who have solid governance policies and others that operate with scant regard for the law and social rights. Whilst we are in agreement with enforcement, government needs to create an environment where the private sector can be productive and competitive."

The MEA said that it receives regular complaints from forthright operators that they cannot compete in attracting and retaining the best human resources in a scenario where they must match offers of shady operators who circumvent regulations.

"Members also complain that unfortunately enforcement tends to be lacking and at times selective and this further contributes to an uneven playing field."

"In conclusion, Malta Employers highlights the need to avoid stereotyping and generalizing employers, creating narratives that all employers are exploiters."

Just as there is a minority of employees who repeatedly do not give an honest day's work, there are some employers who are not exemplary, the MEA said. "But these are a minority and in the employers' case they do not find protection and representation in the Association."