All Posts By

Klara Cachia

Upcoming Deadline: Gender Balance on Boards Employment and Industrial Relations

Upcoming Deadline: Gender Balance on Boards

The 30 June 2026 deadline is fast approaching for in-scope listed companies to fulfil the gender balance targets laid down in Chapter 13 of the Malta Financial Services Authority (‘MFSA’)’s Capital Markets Rules (implementing Directive (EU) 2022/2381). These requirements do not apply to debt issuers and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. What must be achieved? By 30 June 2026, companies must meet one of the following targets: At least 40% of non-executive directors are of the underrepresented sex; or At least 33% of all directors (executive and non-executive) are of the underrepresented sex. Reporting and disclosure obligations In addition to…
Christine Calleja and Klara Cachia
10th June 2026
The New Equal Pay Regulations 2026 Published: Implementing the EU Pay Transparency Directive in Malta Employment and Industrial Relations

The New Equal Pay Regulations 2026 Published: Implementing the EU Pay Transparency Directive in Malta

The introduction of the EU Pay Transparency Directive marked a significant shift in how organisations across the European Union approach pay transparency, workplace equality and gender pay gap reporting. Malta has now implemented the Directive through the new Equal Pay (Transparency and Reporting) Regulations 2026, published on 5 June 2026. Businesses are entering a new phase of employment law compliance in Malta, one that is more data-driven, structured and accountable than ever before. While equal pay obligations are not new, the way they are enforced is changing. Employers can no longer take a reactive approach. Instead, they will be expected…
Christine Calleja, Jeanine Mallia Schembri and Klara Cachia
8th June 2026
Can Seamen Claim Unfair Dismissal Before The Industrial Tribunal? Employment and Industrial Relations

Can Seamen Claim Unfair Dismissal Before The Industrial Tribunal?

Introduction In a recent preliminary decision number 3174 decided on 22 April 2026, the Industrial Tribunal was faced with an unfair dismissal claim. This decision provided the Tribunal with an opportunity to consolidate the distinction between the employment law framework under the Employment and Industrial Relations Act (‘EIRA’), Chapter 452 of the Laws of Malta, and the specialised regime governing maritime workers under the Merchant Shipping Act, Chapter 234 of the Laws of Malta. Facts of the Case The claimant, employed under a ‘Seafarer Employment Agreement’, instituted proceedings before the Industrial Tribunal alleging that he had been unfairly dismissed by…
Klara Cachia and Justyne Falzon
5th June 2026
Pensioners
Malta’s Proposed Auto-Enrolment Occupational Pension Regime: Key Implications for Employers and Employees Employment and Industrial Relations

Malta’s Proposed Auto-Enrolment Occupational Pension Regime: Key Implications for Employers and Employees

Introduction On 18 June 2025, the Government of Malta, through the Ministry for Finance, launched a month-long public consultation on the introduction of an auto-enrolment occupational pension regime. This initiative seeks to strengthen long-term retirement savings by requiring employers to offer qualifying pension schemes and automatically enrol eligible employees, subject to an opt-out option. Which Legal Frameworks will be Impacted? Occupational pension plans in Malta are currently offered by two categories of licensed holders governed by distinct legal frameworks. These include Retirement Scheme Administrators, licensed under the Retirement Pensions Act, and long-term insurance undertakings, licensed under the Insurance Business Act.…
Christine Calleja and Klara Cachia
10th July 2025
Clear glass panels
Malta Begins Transposition of the EU Pay Transparency Directive Employment and Industrial Relations

Malta Begins Transposition of the EU Pay Transparency Directive

The EU Pay Transparency Directive has quickly become one of the most widely discussed legislative developments in employment law. With its transposition deadline of 7th June 2026, this Directive is drawing considerable attention from employers, employees, HR professionals and legal practitioners alike. While the Directive introduces new rights and obligations aimed at strengthening pay transparency and addressing the gender pay gap, the underlying principle of equal pay for work of equal value is not new to Maltese law. This principle has long been established under Article 27 of the Employment and Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 452 of the Laws of…
Klara Cachia and Christine Calleja
30th June 2025