Fairforward : shaping inclusive workplaces across Europe : national focus group report

Abstract

This report on the inclusion of disadvantaged groups within the labor market is compiled in the context of the EU funded ‘Fairforward: Shaping Inclusive Workplaces Across Europe’ project being led by the General Workers Union, Malta in collaboration with other workers’ organisations across Europe. The project is aimed at contributing towards raised awareness of workers organizations of the EU’s anti-discrimination directives and the implementation status in participant countries; strengthening capabilities of workers organizations to assist workers from vulnerable groups through collective bargaining; enhancing cooperation of workers organizations for the development of measures to improve the status of vulnerable workers, and to increase awareness of the problems faced by these target populations. This report highlights the findings arising from the research component of the project based on a focus group discussion with a wide representation of workers at risk of discrimination, regarding their i) overall general employment experiences, ii) challenges and barriers, and iii) needs and requirements for accessing quality employment and career progression within the Maltese labour market. The focus group findings reveal a pervasive challenge for certain categories of workers in accessing and progressing within the labour market due to widespread prejudice, direct and indirect discrimination, poor working conditions, and lack of effective policy and legislative monitoring and enforcement. These experiences inform recommendations and suggestions for the improved inclusion of disadvantaged workers within the Maltese labour market in terms of enhanced awareness and understanding, more optimally targeted and effective service provision, legislative and policy reform, and improved implementation, monitoring and enforcement of existing legislative and policy frameworks. A committed comprehensive and multifaceted approach addressing both personal and structural disadvantage is necessary to address prevalent forms of direct and indirect discrimination. Moreover, combating discrimination within the labour market needs to be addressed in collaboration with wider equality struggles on all grounds of discrimination as well as within the context of broader challenges for the protection of workers’ rights, where human rights and wellbeing supersede macro-economic interests.