Are employees aware of their employment rights? : a study based on Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd employees

Abstract

Carter (2009) states that knowledgeable employees prove to be beneficial for both the employees themselves as well as their employers. Employees empowered with knowledge are more productive and understand better their roles and obligations.

This quantitative study aims to address the lack of local research on this subject and to analyse the level of awareness and knowledge Maltese employees have of their employment rights. The study focuses on the relation between education, trade union membership and collective agreements, and the level of awareness and knowledge of the participants. This research also investigates whether employees are more knowledgeable on legislation which affects them directly at the place of work as opposed to laws on topics they rarely experience.

A questionnaire was distributed among a stratified random sample of 150 employees working for one of the largest companies in Malta. Results indicate that unlike qualifications, occupational grade is significantly related to the participants’ level of knowledge and awareness. The participants are more knowledgeable on topics they frequently face at the place of work and display more prompted knowledge than unprompted awareness. On the other hand, union membership and being covered by a collective agreement does not result in greater knowledge. Moreover, the participants rely on their unions and employer to advise and inform them on their own rights, instead of relying on themselves.

This research proposes tangible recommendations to the various stakeholders such as the employer, unions and government. It is suggested that employee rights are to be communicated more effectively to reach all people in employment and awareness should be raised on the importance of a person showing interest in their own rights.