Category

Employment and Industrial Relations

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
Malta’s WRO Reform Explained: Key Questions on Updated Conditions of Work Employment and Industrial Relations

Malta’s WRO Reform Explained: Key Questions on Updated Conditions of Work

Malta’s reform of Wage Regulation Orders (WROs) marks a significant step towards modernising sector-specific employment rules. Now redesignated as Conditions of Work Regulation Orders, the reform aims to simplify existing frameworks, align entitlements across sectors, and provide greater clarity for both employers and employees. Below, we address the key questions arising from the reform, focusing on its purpose, core principles, and the main changes introduced. Background and Purpose Q: What is a Conditions of Work Regulation Order? A: A Conditions of Work Regulation Order is a set of legal rules that provides the minimum conditions of work which must apply…
Christine Calleja and Jake Buttigieg
21st May 2026
Reforms to Wage Regulation Orders Presented at Times of Malta Event Employment and Industrial Relations

Reforms to Wage Regulation Orders Presented at Times of Malta Event

Recent reforms to Malta’s Wage Regulation Orders (WROs) were presented during a Times of Malta business breakfast, highlighting significant updates aimed at modernising employment conditions across sectors. At the core of these changes is the introduction of sick leave entitlement from the very first day of employment. This reform removes previous inconsistencies between sectors, ensuring that all workers are granted immediate access to sick leave without waiting periods. Employees will also benefit from improved family-related leave provisions. Bereavement leave and marriage leave have been standardised and increased to 3 days, offering workers more equitable and supportive conditions during important life…
Mamo TCV Advocates
29th April 2026
New Integration Course for TCN Work Permits in Malta Employment and Industrial Relations

New Integration Course for TCN Work Permits in Malta

Malta has introduced a significant new requirement for third-country nationals (TCNs) already employed in the country who are seeking to renew their work permits for extended periods. Under this initiative, eligible workers will be required to complete a 40-hour integration course aimed at strengthening their understanding of Maltese society and improving their language skills. The course covers a range of topics intended to support the integration of foreign workers into Maltese life, including Malta’s history, cultural traditions, and civic participation. It also includes modules on legal awareness and workers’ rights, together with English and Maltese language training to enhance communication…
Julian Fenech Adami
1st April 2026
Proposed Amendments to the Harassment Provisions in Chapter 452 Employment and Industrial Relations

Proposed Amendments to the Harassment Provisions in Chapter 452

On 23rd February 2026, the Parliament of Malta tabled Bill No. 166 (the “Bill”), which proposes amendments to the Employment and Industrial Relations Act (Chapter 452) and is aimed at further aligning national legislation with international labour standards, particularly those set out in the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) adopted by the International Labour Organization. One of the amendments proposed by this Bill involves the replacement of the marginal note in Article 29 to explicitly clarify that the provision addresses sexual harassment. The centrepiece of the Bill is the insertion of a new Article 29A, which introduces an…
Christine Calleja and Justyne Falzon
20th March 2026
Migration workers at a meeting
Understanding Malta’s Updated Labour Migration Policy Employment and Industrial RelationsImmigration

Understanding Malta’s Updated Labour Migration Policy

What is the Malta Labour Migration Policy? Malta’s Labour Migration Policy regulates the employment of Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), ensuring that labour migration responds to genuine market needs while protecting workers’ rights and supporting social cohesion. Over the past decade, Malta’s strong economic growth, combined with an ageing population and low fertility rates, has significantly reduced the size of the local workforce. Foreign workers have therefore become essential to sustaining economic activity, filling skills gaps, and supporting emerging industries. While this reliance on foreign labour has supported growth, it has also created challenges, including pressure on infrastructure, high employee turnover, and…
Julian Fenech Adami and Justyne Falzon
16th January 2026