Progressive politics in Malta has delivered tangible gains for workers and families, Prime Minister Robert Abela told the General Workers’ Union (GWU) Congress. He credited social dialogue and union partnership, especially with the GWU, for driving the steady improvement in pay, conditions and protections enjoyed by Maltese and Gozitan workers.

In 2025, 41 collective agreements were signed for public service and public-sector employees, about 25 of them negotiated with the GWU. Those deals raised wages and improved conditions for thousands of workers. This is a resultof positive action and collective bargaining.

The government remains committed to policies that secure decent incomes and targeted social support for those who need it most. Progressive economic management, provides the strong foundation required to turn principles into practice and to extend social gains to working families.

Malta has various positive challenges in the labour market. There are roughly seven job vacancies for every registered jobseeker. This there is the need for a shift from simply creating jobs to building quality careers. The Prime Minister emphasised that progressive policy is prioritising career development across sectors, including manufacturing, to ensure long-term opportunity and stability.

Investing in skills is central to this approach. The Budget includes an “AI for All” vision offering free courses and certifications to equip workers for digital and AI-driven change. Malta’s national AI strategy and its recent update, he said, reflect a forward-looking, pro-worker stance that prepares the workforce for tomorrow’s economy.

The fiscal changes in the 2026 Budget further reflect progressive priorities: a second consecutive tax cut, pension increases, and a wage-support scheme that subsidises up to 80% of private-sector pay rises for workers now employed on a stable basis.

Other worker-focused reforms include maintaining protections for public holidays that fall on weekends, adding three extra leave days to compensate, extending “Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value” into the private sector, and implementing a Labour Migration Policy to protect workers’ rights and dignity.

PM Abela thanked the GWU for its role in advancing social progress and urged continued collaboration to strengthen wages, working conditions, and social protections for workers, families and pensioners. This underscores that progressive politics remains the driving force behind these achievements.