Gozo bishop calls for action against workers' abuse

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech in a Workers' Day homily has drawn attention to illegal employment, child workers and exploitation of migrants.

He said that there was work which gave people their dignity, and work which robbed them of such dignity.

The industrial laws were unfortunately not enough to deter workers' exploitation and other illegal practices.

For example, some workers were employed without a workbook and on condition that they did not apply for one. Such immoral practices not only meant tax evasion, but also meant that the workers concerned were not eligible for social security and pensions. It was also easier for these people to be sacked.

Mgr Grech said the employment of children, particularly during the summer, was a cause for concern. For some employers, employing children was cheaper than employing adults. But some work experiences were not beneficial to children. Nor were some work environments. Such practices, he said, needed to be curbed.

The bishop also complained of widespread exploitation of migrants who had to accept poor working conditions because their situation was desperate.

"This emerging form of slavery is shameful," Mgr Grech said.

He said society needed to reflect on how all work experiences were based on justice and love and that all regulations were followed. Only in this way could jobs not only create wealth, but also respect human dignity.