Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul announced the launch of a National Campaign on Workers’ Rights alongside the publication of an updated Workers’ Rights Charter.

The updated charter aims to clearly list all workers’ rights in Malta, including recent measures introduced over the past months and years. The announcement was made during a conference held at the Thermoplastics factory in Marsa.

The charter includes new rights such as salary transparency at the interview stage, clearer probation rules, and the right to receive detailed payslips. The government has eliminated zero-hour contracts and strengthened protections for agency workers, including regulation of temping agencies.

Additional protections include measures against workplace harassment and violence, as well as expanded leave entitlements. Recent reforms highlighted include strengthened paternity leave, the introduction of parental leave, and paid miscarriage leave funded by the government. The government has also strengthened parental bereavement leave for parents who lose a minor child.

The charter reiterates fundamental rights such as minimum wage protection, working hours, overtime rates, leave entitlements, sick leave, and notice periods. The government is committing to stronger enforcement to ensure workers are paid correctly, on time, and with full payslip transparency.

“The world of work is constantly evolving, and we must continue to evolve with it,” Ellul said.

The Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) will continue to be strengthened through investment in human resources and infrastructure. The government said it will continue working to improve work-life balance, increase worker protections, and introduce more enforcement mechanisms.

General Director of DIER Diane Vella Muscat highlighted that Malta’s labour market has evolved significantly, with growth in flexible work, remote working, and digital platform jobs.