More Security, More Rights, More Dignity: GWU and MDFOA sign new Collective Agreements for food couriers

30 Jun 2026 - Agreement | Blog | Economy | Events | Home | Hospitality & Food | Hospitality and Food | News | Politics | The Union

The General Workers’ Union (GWU) and the Malta Delivery Fleet Operators Association (MDFOA) signed a series of Collective Agreements that will significantly improve the working conditions of food couriers employed by operators who are members of the Association.

These agreements are the result of months of discussions and negotiations between the GWU and the MDFOA, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November last year. Through this MoU, both parties committed themselves to working together to strengthen the rights and protection of workers in this sector.

The new Collective Agreements will provide food couriers with fairer and more transparent working conditions. Among the key measures introduced are a fixed monthly salary replacing the commission-based payment system, entitlement to paid annual leave, paid sick leave, overtime payments and premium rates in accordance with the agreement. In addition, workers will no longer be required to bear the costs of uniforms, motorcycles or any other equipment necessary for their work. All wages will also be paid directly into their bank accounts, eliminating cash payments.

GWU Deputy Secretary General Kevin Abela described the signing of these agreements as a historic milestone for Malta’s food delivery sector.

“Today we are sending a clear message that these workers deserve to be recognised, respected and protected. Dignity at work is a fundamental right for every worker, regardless of the sector in which they are employed. These agreements demonstrate that through social dialogue we can build fairer working conditions and stronger industrial relations.”

Abela added that the GWU remains committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the agreements and to working towards extending the same level of protection to more workers across the sector.

For his part, Malta Delivery Fleet Operators Association President Jusef Meli said that the agreements give practical effect to the commitment made through the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year.

“What we are achieving today is a major step forward for our industry. Together we have created a mechanism that strengthens workers’ rights while ensuring their effective observance across the sector. This is a historic moment that makes Malta the first country in the European Union to introduce a protection mechanism of this kind for food couriers working through digital platforms.”

He also called on all operators within the sector to join this initiative so that all workers can benefit from the same standards of protection and working conditions.

Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti said that the agreement reflects a high level of maturity, with all parties coming together around the negotiating table with a shared sense of responsibility towards people.

“We are introducing modern governance structures that guarantee transparency and mutual trust. This is the way forward that this Government believes in—an economy that looks ahead, where if we are to move forward as a nation, we must move forward together.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard emphasised that: “This is a very important development for the food courier sector. Not only are we ensuring better working conditions for all workers, but we also hope this development will spread across the entire sector to ensure a level playing field, so that those employers who respect workers’ rights are not placed at a competitive disadvantage.”

Minister for Transport Chris Bonett said that he believes everyone benefits from a Collective Agreement.

“Both the worker, who is essential, and the employer, who takes risks and makes investments, must be safeguarded. This is an extremely important agreement that opens the door to similar agreements in other sectors, helping to regulate relationships not only between workers and employers but also with consumers.”

The GWU also welcomed the fact that the majority of food couriers employed by the operators who signed these agreements are now members of the Union. This represents another important step in strengthening collective representation and giving workers in the sector a stronger voice.

These agreements mark a new chapter for Malta’s food delivery industry and demonstrate that, through constructive and responsible social dialogue, it is possible to develop solutions that safeguard workers’ rights while ensuring the stability and long-term sustainability of the sector.

The signing ceremony was attended by GWU Secretary General Kevin Camilleri, GWU President Jason Deguara, Hospitality and Food Section Secretary Brian Bonnici, Assistant Secretary Johann Spiteri, GWU TCN Liaison Officer Manav Sanger, as well as several operators and distinguished representatives from the Association.