Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a vital tool in the workplace, profoundly shaping the labour market, the Malta Chamber of Commerce said.

A National Discussion Forum was organised by The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, the General Workers Union, and the Malta Business Bureau. Held as part of the TransFormWork 2 project, the event explored the societal and employment-related implications of AI, generating several valuable insights. The forum brought together members of the business community, academia, and employee representatives. It was chaired by Rachel Attard Bondi, Head of Communication at the Malta Chamber, and opened with a welcome address by Mark Bajada, Deputy President of the Malta Chamber. Bajada outlined the global economic and technological transformations driven by AI and underscored the importance of investing in skills and education to prepare Malta for the future.

While many employees have successfully integrated AI tools into their daily tasks, boosting productivity, streamlining operations, and unlocking previously unimaginable opportunities, others remain uncertain or disconnected from these advancements, the General Workers Union said. "Some are unsure how AI is applied in their workplaces, while others face challenges adapting to new systems due to a steep learning curve, concerns over job security, or difficulty transitioning from traditional methods," the GWU added in its statement.

"This divide presents an urgent challenge," said Riccarda Darmanin, Section Secretary for the Professionals, Finance, and Services Sector within the General Workers' Union. "We must ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably across all sectors of the workforce. It's not just about embracing innovation-it's about leaving no one behind in the process." Riccarda Darmanin participated in a panel discussion organized by The Malta Chamber, General Workers' Union and Malta Business Bureau focusing on "The Ripple Effect of AI on the Labour Market." 

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries and redefine the world of work, the Transformwork2 project, spearheaded through extensive member consultation, has revealed a growing divide in the workforce's ability to engage with this transformation, the GWU said in a statement.

The GWU is emphasising the need for inclusive, human-centred integration of AI technologies. "Among the strategies highlighted are reskilling and upskilling initiatives to equip workers with digital literacy and technical skills, redesigning job roles to incorporate AI in ways that augment rather than replace human labour. Also promoting human-AI collaboration instead of surveillance or displacement and encouraging transition to emerging roles such as AI ethics officers, data analysts, and automation supervisors," the GWU said.

"It is vital to establish ethical AI governance frameworks that prioritise worker welfare and build trust through transparency and actively involve workers in AI integration decisions to reduce uncertainty and foster inclusion," the GWU added.

"AI is not a threat, it's a tool," Darmanin added. "But how we choose to implement it will determine whether it divides or unites our workforce. That's why we're calling on employers, policymakers, and tech developers to take a people-first approach."

The GWU said it continues to work with employers to incorporate training and job security strategies into collective agreements, ensuring workers are prepared for the evolving labour market and reducing reliance on imported skills.

As the future of work is shaped by today's decisions, the GWU urges all stakeholders to collaborate in building workplaces where technology enhances, not replaces, human potential. "Let's build bridges, not barriers. Let's ensure AI works for everyone," Riccarda Darmanin said.