OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14562024-03-19T11:38:12Z2024-03-19T11:38:12ZMalta : trade union resilience in a changing environmentDebono, ManwelFiorini, Luke Anthonyhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1181402024-02-02T14:08:50Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Malta : trade union resilience in a changing environment
Authors: Debono, Manwel; Fiorini, Luke Anthony
Abstract: Malta’s trade union movement appears healthier than the movements in several other member states of the European Union (EU). Total union membership has more than doubled since 1980, although the rate of increase has slowed considerably over the past twenty years (see Table 20.1). Despite shrinking unionization rates and collective bargaining coverage, trade unions still officially represent around 45 percent of workers, while collective bargaining coverage is around 50 percent. It is noteworthy that collective agreements in the private sector are signed only at company level and there are no ‘erga omnes’ extension provisions. Conversely, the public service has two tiers of collective bargaining: a general agreement covering all employees is complemented by a number of agreements at the industry level. Union membership is becoming more varied. The female share of union membership has increased substantially since 1980, and the proportion of foreign members appears to have grown, too. This increasing heterogeneity is not sufficiently reflected in union leadership, however, which is still largely composed of Maltese men. Furthermore, union structures do not necessarily give sufficient attention to the interests of the new types of members. The Covid-19 pandemic has accentuated the plight of several adversely hit groups of workers, including foreigners, which has prompted unions to take public stands to protect the rights of these workers.2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTrade unions and the protection of migrant workers in Europe : barriers, approaches and interventionsDebono, ManwelFiorini, Luke Anthonyhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1181392024-02-02T14:01:18Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Trade unions and the protection of migrant workers in Europe : barriers, approaches and interventions
Authors: Debono, Manwel; Fiorini, Luke Anthony
Abstract: Migrant workers in Europe, particularly those from third countries, often encounter challenging working conditions that could significantly benefit from the support and protection provided by trade unions. This study explores the substantial obstacles that migrant workers must overcome to unionise, emphasising the structural disadvantages they face in the process. It also examines the attitudes of European trade unions towards migrant workers, revealing a growing pro-immigration trend despite certain setbacks. The study concludes by shedding light on intriguing strategies and initiatives used by trade unions to support migrant workers. The effort to integrate migrant workers into trade unions is worthwhile, despite the many difficulties involved. Unionisation stands as one of the most effective means of improving the working and living conditions of migrant workers.2023-01-01T00:00:00ZSocial dialogue and decent work in MaltaDebono, Manwelhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1181382024-02-02T13:46:10Z2016-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Social dialogue and decent work in Malta
Authors: Debono, Manwel
Abstract: This article investigates the relationship between social dialogue and decent work in Malta. The Maltese economy, which is passing through considerable restructuring, is growing at a faster rate than the EU average, and is creating sufficient jobs to keep unemployment at a low level. However, a number of challenges threaten these positive trends and put pressure on the country’s future economic and social wellbeing. Social dialogue plays a fundamental role in improving Malta’s economic performance while enhancing working conditions. At a policy level, social partners push forward their interests through various means such as the participation on official bodies, fora and mass media, and the drafting of policy documents. Collective bargaining also plays a major role in improving working conditions in Malta. Social partners are faced with the challenge of remaining strong and relevant. They need to invest more on capacity-building and on educating workers. Increased trust between social partners would create more synergies required to confront emerging labour market realities. An overhaul of the employment and industrial legislation may provide a better framework through which social dialogue takes place, with the consequent positive effects on decent work.2016-01-01T00:00:00ZCovid-19 impact on the employment conditions of women, youth, people with disabilities, and atypical workers – key findingsDebono, ManwelGarzia, Christinehttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1181372024-02-02T13:41:35Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Covid-19 impact on the employment conditions of women, youth, people with disabilities, and atypical workers – key findings
Authors: Debono, Manwel; Garzia, Christine
Abstract: International research indicates widespread effects of the pandemic on working conditions. The pandemic exposed profound power, economic, and health disparities among different social groups. Women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and atypical workers tend to experience greater challenges in their working lives when compared to other groups. This study seeks to shed more light on the development of work-related experiences and attitudes of these four social groups during the pandemic. Empirical data was gathered through three different methods, namely focus groups (11 participants), a survey (340 participants) and in-depth interviews (15 participants) between April and September 2022. The results of this study were discussed in training seminars during which trade union officials proposed several suggestions to tackle emerging work-related challenges.2023-01-01T00:00:00Z