Understanding Employment Law Protections in Malta
Reporting workplace abuse is never easy, but it is often a necessary step to protect your rights and hold employers accountable. In Malta, employees are not left without recourse – there are specific authorities designed to address breaches of employment law, ranging from the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) to the Industrial Tribunal. Knowing when and how to escalate a complaint can make all the difference, both in securing justice for yourself and in fostering fairer work practices across the board. This article will walk you through the key institutions available, what kinds of issues they handle, and the process of taking formal action when internal resolutions, including trade union intervention, fail.
Department for Industrial and Employment Relations
The DIER is an administrative body responsible for overseeing the enforcement of employment legislation in Malta. It provides up-to-date guidance on laws and regulations relating to key areas such as discrimination, termination of employment, minimum wage, parental leave, and health and safety standards.
The DIER primarily deals with fundamental employment rights, including payment of wages, notice periods, leave entitlements, redundancy, and working hours. Employees who believe their statutory rights have been breached may file a complaint directly with the DIER. The department has the authority to investigate such complaints, facilitate mediation between the parties, and, in certain cases, issue enforcement orders. As such, it usually serves as the first point of recourse for addressing basic employment law violations.
Industrial Tribunal
The Industrial Tribunal is an independent judicial body that provides employees with a forum to seek redress for employment disputes that go beyond the remit of the DIER. Established under the Employment and Industrial Relations Act, it primarily hears cases concerning unfair dismissal, discrimination, breach of contract, victimisation, harassment, and unequal pay for work of equal value. The Tribunal has the authority to grant remedies such as compensation, reinstatement, or other appropriate relief sought by the employee.
Proceedings before the Tribunal are relatively informal. A case begins with the filing of a complaint in writing. Once submitted, both parties are notified in writing of the hearing date. During the hearing, evidence is presented and witnesses may be examined, giving each side the opportunity to put forward its case. Decisions of the Tribunal are legally binding, but either party may appeal to the Court of Appeal within 20 days of receiving the decision.
The First Hall of the Civil Court
In case of serious employment disputes, and which exceed the jurisdiction of the Industrial Tribunal, cases may be brought before the FHCC, which is equipped with broader jurisdiction and can handle more complex cases.
Conclusion
Reporting workplace abuse is a courageous step, and Maltese law provides a structured framework to ensure that employees are not left without protection. From the DIER’s role in safeguarding basic statutory rights, and dealing with day-to-day breaches of employment law, to the Industrial Tribunal’s authority over dismissals and discrimination, and ultimately the jurisdiction of the Civil Courts for complex disputes, there are clear avenues available to seek justice. Understanding which body to turn to is key to asserting your rights and ensuring that workplace abuse does not go unchallenged.
This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The information provided reflects the law as it stands on the blog’s publishing date. For the most updated version or advice tailored to your specific circumstances, you are strongly encouraged to consult a lawyer.
Article and research done by Ms Caitlin Turner, LL.B. (Hons) (Melit.), currently reading a Master of Advocacy at University of Malta.
Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].
