An analysis of the impact of EU membership on trade unions in Malta

Abstract

Trade unions serve an important role as protectors of workers' rights and conditions of employment. They are the workers' representatives throughout collective bargaining and in industrial and economic bodies set up to deal with employment, economic and social issues. Trade unionism is Europe is facing the problem of a declining membership due to the creation of new jobs which are not traditionally targets for unions, an ageing population, and a general decrease of young people joining a trade. union. Membership in Malta although fluctuating at times, has maintained certain stability with an influx of new members in part due to the innovations carried out in the trade unions, especially in the general unions. Nevertheless, new industries are being set up in Malta which could prove to be a challenge for the union's recruitment campaigns. EU membership has provided trade unions in Malta with a number of opportunities but also a number of responsibilities which can create certain burdens thus making it difficult to actively participate at the European level and make the most of the opportunities at hand. The opportunity of making part of a bigger 'family' of trade unions however, brings trade unions in Malta closer to the European decision-making system and in a position where they can observe and scrutinize better both national and European governance.