Working group on fixed-term contracts welcomed

The setting up of a working group by the government to look into how the law on fixed-term contracts can be changed to come in line with EU law has been welcomed by Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil.

According to Maltese law, workers engaged on a fixed-term contract for a period exceeding four years are entitled to an indefinite contract. However, the law applies only to private sector workers and specifically excludes public sector workers.

Dr Busuttil had objected to this exclusion. He intervened as a result of several complaints from public sector workers and brought the matter to the attention of the European Commission through parliamentary questions. His position was recently taken up by the Commission which asked the Maltese government to change legislation on the matter.

"I am very happy that the government is reviewing this situation. Once EU law gives a right to a worker, it should apply to all workers. There is no reason why workers in the public sector should be excluded," Dr Busuttil said.