GWU: Robots are not the solution to labour shortages in the hospitality sector

24 Aug 2026 - Government and Public Entities | Home | News | Pensioners Association | Sections

The General Workers’ Union (GWU) insists that introducing robots as waiters is not the appropriate solution to labour shortages in the hospitality sector. While the GWU recognises the benefits of technology, it stresses that technology should be used to assist workers rather than replace the human element that remains essential to the industry.

Tourism supports around 48,000 jobs and represents more than 10% of Malta’s Gross Domestic Product. Its success depends not only on efficiency, but also on hospitality, communication and the personal attention that workers provide to guests.

GWU Secretary General Kevin Camilleri said that the Union is not opposed to technological progress but believes that technology must serve people.

“Technology can help reduce workloads and make services more efficient. However, a robot can deliver a plate, but it cannot welcome a guest with a smile, remember their name, or make them feel genuinely welcome. Hospitality is an industry built around people and human interaction,” Camilleri said.

He stressed that before discussing the replacement of workers, the conditions contributing to labour shortages and making it difficult to attract people to the sector must first be addressed.

“We need to invest in better wages, decent working conditions, training and career opportunities. If we want to attract and retain more workers in hospitality, we must make the sector more sustainable and attractive,” the Secretary General continued.

The GWU also believes that Malta should make better use of the potential offered by the silver economy. Older workers possess valuable experience, knowledge and skills that can continue contributing to the labour market through flexible employment arrangements, continuous training and schemes that facilitate a gradual transition towards retirement.

Camilleri concluded: “The discussion about the future of hospitality must take place with workers and their representatives. The future of work cannot be built by pushing people aside. It must be built by using technology responsibly to improve both the quality of work and the quality of service.”

The GWU remains committed to serious and long-term solutions that place workers at the centre, strengthen working conditions and safeguard the quality and reputation of Malta’s tourism product.