Working conditions and social dialogue - Malta

Abstract

Although in Malta, research on the relationship between social dialogue and working conditions is very scant, it has been a topical issue in the ongoing debate related to the labour market. Institutionally, the mechanisms of social dialogue at national level are all in place and all functioning. The Employment Relations Board, the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority are three main tripartite social dialogue institutions which deal with working conditions. By and large, the social partners, although on various occasions have expressed strong reservations about the operations of this mechanism, are aware of the need of social dialogue. Their criticism is directed at improving the effectiveness of the mechanism rather than dismantling it.