Malta : EIRO annual review 2008

Abstract

The Nationalist Party remained in government after winning the general elections in March, whilst a new Minister for Labour was appointed. The industrial tribunal produced an interesting ruling related to work on full-time and part-time basis within companies in the same group. A four day strike called by the federation of public transport was the toughest industrial action in 2008. The government launched the privatisation exercise of the shipyards. The global financial crisis is leaving a negative impact in the manufacturing industry, while at the same time a heftier utility bills regime was announced to the discontent of trade unions and employers associations.