Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasized the crucial role of industrial peace and social dialogue in ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible social progress during a pre-budget consultation meeting with representatives from the UĦM union.

Focusing heavily on enhancing workers' quality of life, Abela highlighted the government's ongoing commitment to turning the challenges of national progress into new opportunities.

Key among these challenges discussed was mobility. Through the Malta in Motion initiative, the administration is actively developing an integrated transport strategy combining walking, cycling, ferries, parking management, public transport, and a long-term Rapid Transit system. Concrete steps already underway include new fast ferry services connecting Sliema, Bugibba, and Gozo, alongside updated circular Tallinja bus routes.

The discussions also addressed modern workplace dynamics, specifically remote working, flexibility, and achieving a healthier work-life balance. The government expressed its readiness to engage further with social partners regarding a worker's right to request flexible arrangements-such as remote working, flexi-time, compressed weeks, reduced hours, or part-time work-while balancing the specific nature of operations and business needs.