General Workers’ Union General Workers’ Union and the Maltese and the Maltese ScenarioScenario

Mr. Charles AgiusMr. Charles Agius

National SecretaryNational Secretary

Metal & Construction SectionMetal & Construction Section

MaltaMalta

Smallest state in the European UnionSmallest state in the European Union Malta got its independence in 1964 Malta got its independence in 1964 Became a republic in 1974Became a republic in 1974 It is one of the most densely It is one of the most densely

populated countries in the worldpopulated countries in the world According to the 2005 Census the According to the 2005 Census the

population is of 404,039population is of 404,039

Economic SituationEconomic Situation

Inflation rate (2006) is 3.1%Inflation rate (2006) is 3.1% Minimum wage (2006) is of Lm57.90 Minimum wage (2006) is of Lm57.90

(€136) per week (€136) per week Malta’s economy is based on tourism, Malta’s economy is based on tourism,

manufacturing and services (e.g. manufacturing and services (e.g. financial services)financial services)

Current government is aiming for Current government is aiming for Malta to become a base for the Malta to become a base for the technology industry technology industry

WorkforceWorkforce

325,243 are estimated to be over 325,243 are estimated to be over 15 years15 years

50.6% inactive50.6% inactive Low female participation rate of Low female participation rate of

only 32.3%only 32.3% Unemployed 12,561 or 7.8% Unemployed 12,561 or 7.8%

UnionsUnions

2 major unions2 major unions GWU is the biggest oneGWU is the biggest one Represents the interests of 55% Represents the interests of 55%

of the total organised work forceof the total organised work force 67-70% of the total labour force is 67-70% of the total labour force is

unionised unionised

Construction SectorConstruction Sector

10,548 workers in the 10,548 workers in the construction sectorconstruction sector

Not many of these are unionisedNot many of these are unionised Low working conditionsLow working conditions Most of them work illegallyMost of them work illegally Employ many foreignersEmploy many foreigners GWU still tries to organise these GWU still tries to organise these

workersworkers