EU directive

We are highly concerned with the new legislation which came into force in the European Union on December 5, with regards the temporary agency workers directive. This new work model, if not regulated properly, will serve as a tool for exploitation.

We appeal to the respective authorities to enact this new EU legislation so that temporary workers enjoy the same rights and conditions of employment as regular workers from the first day of employment. We are also concerned that this new directive will push forward atypical precarious employment.

We appeal to the government so that the principle of equal pay for equal job be enforced under this directive. By supporting this kind of job flexibility, we believe employers can now establish temporary work agreements and therefore decrease labour costs and weaken collective agreements.

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left questions the support given to this directive by local organisations, such as the Malta Employers’ Association and the Confederation of Women Organisations, and we ask how come this new work model is being viewed as a measure that benefits women, when the only beneficiaries, will be the “private agencies”. Under this directive, a percentage of the wage will go to third parties.

Żminijietna augurs that this new work model will not obstruct measures that promote work-life balance, regular employment, flexible employment at worker’s discretion and more affordable childcare facilities.