Editorial

There have been several societal changes over the past 15 years. One major change is that over working time. But what exactly are the working time patterns of Maltese workers today? This is what the university's Workers' Participation Development Centre aims to find out in a research it is carrying out.

The outcome would no doubt be of great help in efforts to improve working conditions and, ultimately, productivity. How many hours do the gainfully employed actually work? It is not a question many would want to answer in a frank manner. The reason for this is obvious - a great number of workers have a second job in order to be able to meet their financial commitments.

The black economy still thrives in Malta, as in many other places as well. As Prof. Giuseppe De Rita, director of the Italian National Institute of Statistics, said: "Whether we acknowledge this economy or not, it is there and it contributes to the overall economy".

Also important is research in the kind of different jobs workers hold and part-time employment as this will reveal other aspects of the working lives of the Maltese. How much time people are spending with their families, or by themselves to "recreate" themselves. As the word implies, "recreation" is a vital function in the work equation. People need time not only to rest but also to engage in other activities that are not solely the mandatory or demanding chores of the workplace.

Unfortunately, this research is being held only in the private sector. The research will help pinpoint factors that affect productivity. Saviour Rizzo, of the Workers' Participation Development Centre, noted that there were several unsocial and unfriendly hours that workers were obliged to undertake in order to earn a living.

One of the aspects that will not be covered in this study is that segment of workers in government employment that engage in part-time work. It might seem unjust to single out any single profession or category of workers, yet this is an area that has to be investigated.

The aim in carrying out research is not to control evasion but to help in efforts to improve the quality of life. Knowing the work patterns of the workers will of course be of great importance to the trade unions too in their work to ensure working conditions.

Worth remarking too is the high rate of "economically" inactive women. Only 31.6 per cent of the female population is currently part of the active labour force. This is 22.4 per cent lower than the average for the EU countries.

Undoubtedly, family-friendly measures at the workplace ranging from child-minding facilities to flexitime, can definitely encourage more women to seek part- or full-time employment. This could also bring about a more symmetrical sharing out of the burden of making ends meet for the married couple.

In collaboration with the social partners, the government is setting standards in the creation of family-friendly patterns of work through directives and regulations which include reduced hours of work and parental leave.

Yet, it is the personal decision of the individual and family of how to occupy the free time won through improved conditions. Will it be to earn more money in a second or third employment or to engage oneself in activities which help enrich the quality of life?