In a significant step towards ending worker exploitation, the General Workers’ Union
(GWU) has met with representatives from the Satya Sanatan Dharma Sabha
Community, an Indian welfare group in Malta. The meeting, attended by Alexander
Calleja Zammit from the International Moroccan Community in Malta (IMCM) and
Father Colin Apap, focused on addressing the pressing issues faced by Indian and
other third-country workers in Malta.
The Satya Sanatan Dharma Sabha Community aims to unite Hindus and other
Indian communities in Malta, providing mutual support and assistance. The
discussion with GWU centered around the challenges faced by workers from third
countries who come to Malta with promises of employment, only to be exploited by
unscrupulous employers.
These workers often pay exorbitant fees to come to Malta, expecting decent wages
and working conditions. Instead, they frequently find themselves in abusive
situations, working excessive hours for less pay or being left without work, leading to
illegal status and potential deportation. The community representatives highlighted
tragic outcomes, including suicides, illegal work, debts, usury, prostitution, and
human trafficking.
“There are many Indian workers who come to Malta and face severe exploitation,”
said Alexander Calleja Zammit. “As IMCM, we believe wage inequality between
locals and foreigners exacerbates racial attitudes. When locals see cheaper labor
from foreigners, they mistakenly think their jobs are being stolen.”
IMCM and the GWU strongly advocate for all foreign workers in Malta to join a trade
union to curb such abuses. “We support the GWU’s position and are pushing this
agenda across various NGO platforms,” added Calleja Zammit. The community has
also been providing food and support to destitute workers.
The GWU administration expressed regret and anger over the exploitation of
workers, emphasizing the need to combat racism and protect basic workers’ rights.
GWU General Secretary Josef Bugeja noted that new legislation effective from April
1, 2024, requires temping agencies importing workers from outside the EU to be
licensed, a move expected to reduce exploitation significantly.
“The GWU has pressured certain contractors to change their exploitative practices,”
Bugeja stated. “We believe this legal change is crucial to ending worker exploitation.
We need foreign workers for economic growth, but no one should be taken
advantage of.”
Both parties have agreed to continue their collaboration, not only to address worker
abuses but also to organize social and cultural activities to support the Indian
community in Malta. This partnership marks a crucial step in ensuring fair treatment
and better working conditions for foreign workers in the country.
