GWU conducts research on platform workers through stakeholder workshop

1 Jul 2026 - Economy | Government and Public Entities | Home | News | Politics | Sections | Technology | The Union | Trade

The General Workers’ Union (GWU) is leading another important research initiative that brings together employers, workers, and government representatives to discuss key issues relating to platform work and workplace flexibility. The aim of the project is to gain a deeper understanding of the working conditions experienced by different categories of workers and contribute to informed policy development.

Over the past two days, the GWU has been hosting a workshop at the Workers’ Memorial Building as part of this initiative. The event has brought together a number of expert speakers who shared their perspectives and experiences on platform work and non-standard forms of employment.

The project is being coordinated by the GWU’s Government, Public Entities and Health Section, led by Secretary Kendrick Bondin. Speaking during the workshop, Bondin explained that the discussions and findings will form part of a comprehensive research report that will compare Malta’s experience with developments in other countries.

He noted that Malta is at the forefront of developments in platform work, making its experience particularly relevant as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to strengthen protections for workers in the sector.

The workshop follows the signing last week of a landmark collective agreement between the GWU and the Malta Delivery Fleet Operators Association (MDFOA), representing a historic milestone for food couriers in Malta and Gozo. The agreement establishes a clear framework of rights and responsibilities, strengthening worker protection while providing greater certainty and stability for operators within the sector.

Bondin emphasised that workshops of this nature are essential to better understand the realities facing workers and employers.

“We always approach these discussions objectively by listening to all stakeholders. Our ultimate goal is to continue strengthening the world of work and improving conditions for everyone within it,” he said.

For his part, MDFOA President Iousef Meli stressed the importance of initiatives that encourage constructive dialogue and continuous improvement.

“Workshops like these are important because they encourage us to look towards new goals, reflect on our sector, and identify how we can continue improving it—particularly for our employees and their working conditions,” he said.

Meli added that a wide range of topics had been discussed during the workshop, providing valuable information for fleet operators.

“The discussions gave us greater insight into what platform work is, the role of food couriers, and how fleet operators function within this evolving sector. This knowledge is essential for everyone involved,” he explained.

Other speakers who addressed the workshop included Diane Vella Muscat, Director General of the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER), and Fabio Bajada, Projects Coordinator at The Malta Chamber.

The workshop forms part of the EU-funded project “Supporting Social Dialogue in the Age of Platform Work and Flexible Employment (SSD)”, which seeks to strengthen social dialogue and promote decent working conditions in the rapidly evolving world of platform work and flexible employment.