The proposal to introduce mandatory trade union membership was
included in the Government's Electoral Manifesto for the 2022
General Election. Measure 193 reads (as translated into English) as
follows:
“Trade unions are the voice of workers and wherever
there are workers who are members of a union there is less risk of
exploitation. We agree with the principle of mandatory membership
in a trade union as proposed by the main unions of our country. We
will begin discussions with the social partners on the
implementation of this measure.”
Indeed, the authorities pledged to start discussions with social
partners for the implementation of this measure. Malta's main
trade unions were in favour of this electoral promise,
while employers' representatives pronounced themselves
firmly against the implementation of this idea.
