Navigating Wages In Malta

The Employment and Industrial Relations Act (Chapter 452 of the Laws of Malta) (hereinafter referred to as 'EIRA'), is the main piece of legalisation which regulates all aspects of employment life in Malta. The EIRA, as well as its subsidiary legislations, cover the protection of an employee's wages, universally acknowledged to be the most fundamental labour law right.

An employee's wage is protected by both local and EU legislation. Principle 6 of the European Pillar of Social Rights specifically provides that employees have the right to fair wages which are able to afford them a decent standard of living. Moreover, adequate minimum wages are to be ensured by taking into consideration the satisfaction of the needs of employees and their families in regard to the national economic and social conditions. This takes place however, by also safeguarding one's access to employment and by providing incentives so that one effectively seeks work.