Dr Aron Mifsud Bonnici Shares Expert Insights on Maltese Employment Law at GWU Reggie Miller Foundation Lecture

In today's dynamic workplace, a thorough understanding of employment rights is not just an advantage, it is a necessity. Reinforcing our firm's commitment to legal education and employee empowerment, our partner, Dr Aron Mifsud Bonnici, delivered a comprehensive lecture on Maltese employment rights yesterday, 18 July 2025.

Employees engaged in discussions and individual work at a modern workplace, highlighting key concepts of employee rights and obligations during employment law training.

The event was hosted by the General Workers' Union's esteemed Reggie Miller Foundation, the educational and cultural arm of the GWU dedicated to the training and development of workers and their representatives. Dr Mifsud Bonnici addressed an engaged audience of union shop stewards, equipping them with the critical knowledge needed to navigate the legal landscape of the Maltese workplace effectively.

The presentation, titled “Understanding Employment Rights in Malta”, delved into the three foundational pillars of the employer-employee relationship:

The Employment Contract: The lecture detailed the legal significance of the contract as the “legal blueprint” of the working relationship, governed by the Employment and Industrial Relations Act (EIRA). It covered the crucial differences between indefinite and fixed-term contracts, highlighting the rule that a fixed-term contract generally converts to one of indefinite duration after four years of continuous service.

Core Rights and Obligations: The session covered the essential entitlements of every employee, including fair remuneration, reasonable working hours, and leave entitlements, as well as the professional obligations employees have towards their employer.

The Collective Agreement: A key focus of the lecture was the power of collective bargaining. It was emphasised that a Collective Agreement is a legally binding tool that can only improve upon, never reduce, the minimum rights guaranteed by law.

Reflecting on the importance of the training, Dr Aron Mifsud Bonnici stated:

"Knowledge of the law is not just a tool; it's a shield. By understanding the intricacies of employment contracts and the power of collective agreements, union stewards can move from a reactive position to a proactive one, effectively safeguarding the rights of their members before issues escalate. Our goal was to empower these representatives with the confidence and clarity they need to advocate successfully."

The lecture also addressed common and complex issues that stewards frequently encounter, such as the misclassification of employees as self-employed, the handling of termination during probation, and how to contest unilateral changes to working conditions made by management.

The expertise shared by Dr Aron Mifsud Bonnici at this event underscores his status as a leading authority in Maltese employment law. His ability to distil complex legal concepts into practical, actionable advice is invaluable to both individual employees and the organisations that represent them.