Malta - the chemicals sector

Abstract

The figures and estimates about the chemical sector in Malta given by the organisations do not tally with the official statistics. This is due to the fact that the chemical sector, as classified under the NACE Nomenclature, is not big enough to warrant an exclusive section by the trade union to cater for the workers in this sector. Firms whose operations are related to the products classified in NACE 24, but not strictly in line with it, are associated with this sector. Thus workers employed by two trans-national companies (TNC) which have plants in Malta - one producing plastic toys (Play Mobil) and another one producing rubber seals and washers (0 Rings) are organised under the Chemical Section of the General Workers' Union (GWU). These firms do no fall within the NACE Nomenclature for chemicals, for they do not manufacture plastics (24.16) and rubber (24.17) in primary form. These two firms combined employ more than 1000 workers, and by Maltese standards, are considered to be large enterprises. The National Statistics Office (NSO) generally follows the NACE standardized nomenclature. However in the latest statistics released by this office, the 'Chemicals and Chemical Products' sector comprised sections 23 and 24 from NACE nomenclature. Maybe section 23 (Manufacture of Coke, refined petroleum products and nuclear fuel) was deemed to be closely related to the chemical sector and for the purpose of statistical comparative analysis was included in this sector.