Introduction [Centre for Labour Studies : Biennial Report : 2017-2018]

Abstract

All faculties, institutes, centres and schools at the University of Malta are obliged to report on their workings on a regular basis, typically annually. The CLS has been submitting such reports unfailingly since 1982. It has shifted to a biennial format in order to develop a significant publication, complete with an overview of what has been achieved in the 24 months under scrutiny. Additionally, this creates an opportunity for the CLS-connected academic staff to put the proverbial pen to paper and submit a few articles that reflect critical views on current trends and developments in the areas that matter most to the CLS. These contributions have grown into a solid corpus of material over the years. The areas covered include human resource issues, industrial and employment relations, gender and development, occupational health and safety, career guidance and counselling, trade union and cooperative affairs. This testimonial is both an evaluative and formative exercise. The CLS submits its work and accomplishments for scrutiny and critical feedback, as an integral part of the quality assurance process underway at the University of Malta. At the same time, the reporting exercise offers an opportunity for the CLS itself to scrutinise its actions and to examine how effectively it expands its energies and resources, in the light of changing times and possibly changing priorities.