Centre for Labour Studies : Biennial Report : 2007-2008

Abstract

This biennial report is being complemented by five articles written by the academic staff of the Centre. While dwelling on different themes, the articles stress the key point that in dealing with issues in the labour market one has to navigate between the ideals of the past and the bitter realities of the present and maybe even of the future. Some of the key challenges that need to be addressed in the near future are highlighted. The privatization process of the Malta Shipyards is the theme of the first article by Saviour Rizzo. This gives a brief description of the events that unfolded during this process and looks at the challenges ahead for the new operators of this enterprise. The second article by Godfrey Baldacchino traces the origins of the two leading Maltese trade unions - the General Workers’ Union (GWU) and the Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) - and invites them to look at the new realities beckoning in the Maltese labour market. The third article, penned by Manwel Debono, provides an evaluation of the available tools needed to forestall the looming skill shortages in the Maltese labour market. In the fourth contribution, Anna Borg argues that the developments in Malta related to gender issues fall short of the targets set by the Lisbon Agenda. In the fifth and final article, Edward Zammit engages in the ongoing debate about the precariousness of the working conditions inherent in most atypical occupations and the implications to the process of social dialogue and the amendments needed to be made to industrial law.