Attitudes towards trade unions in Malta

Abstract

This study exploits the rare opportunity of a national representative sample, and explores the attitudes of adults towards trade unions in Malta. Data were gathered through a telephone survey carried out among a sample of 1512 persons, representing the Maltese working-age population. Respondents have an overall positive opinion of trade unions, which are seen to carry out important functions in Maltese society. However, slightly fewer than half of the respondents claimed to be satisfied with the work of trade unions, indicating that they are less confident about the unions’ role in offering individual services to their members. A number of suggestions are given in order to stem or reverse the apparent erosion of confidence in Maltese trade unions.