Updated 1200
Mandatory unionisation ‘well before’ election: The government plans to introduce mandatory union membership before the end of its term, according to junior minister Andy Ellul. The proposal, part of the Labour Party’s election manifesto, has been under discussion with social partners. Four models are being considered: universal union membership, mandatory membership for low-wage earners, mandatory unionisation for third-country nationals, and sector-specific requirements. Several organisations, including the General Workers’ Union and UĦM Voice of the Workers, support the idea, while employer associations oppose it. The General Workers’ Union advocates for the measure to combat precarious employment, particularly in sectors with low union representation like construction and tourism. A public consultation will help determine the final approach.
Interconnect Malta recommends €34.2m contract for onshore cable installation in Malta-Sicily energy project: Interconnect Malta (ICM) has recommended a €34.2 million contract with Italian firm SELT SpA for onshore cable installation in the Malta-Sicily energy project. SELT will supply and install 21 kilometers of high-voltage cable in Sicily, connecting the offshore landing point in Marina di Ragusa to a substation, with an additional 1.8 kilometers of cable in Malta from Maghtab to l-Għallis. Energy Minister Miriam Dalli emphasised the project’s role in achieving a cleaner energy future. ICM CEO Ismail D’Amato called the contract a key milestone in the €300 million project, which is partially funded by €165 million from the EU. The initiative supports Malta’s long-term energy needs.
“Freshers’ Week has been taken over completely by private companies” – student organisations: Three student organisations—Studenti Graffitti, Pulse, and S-Cubed—have urged the university student council, KSU, to prioritise students and student organisations during Freshers’ Week at the University of Malta. They criticised the event for being dominated by private companies sponsoring KSU, which they argue detracts from the purpose of the week, meant to connect students with each other and various student groups. The organisations expressed concern over the limited space allocated to student groups and the disruptive atmosphere caused by commercial activities. They called for reduced dependence on corporate sponsors and asked for university funding to prioritise student-driven events. Despite previous appeals, KSU has yet to make the requested changes.
Morning Briefing
Government sets Oct 28 as Budget Day
The 2025 Budget will be presented on October 28, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Sunday. According to a statement from his office, the government’s legislative agenda will continue supporting families and businesses while addressing emerging priorities. The budget will focus on five key areas aimed at reshaping the economy and will include fiscal incentives.
Abela reiterated his promise of a “socially strong” budget, emphasising rewards for hard work and tax cuts for the middle class. (The Malta Independent)
PN leads Labour in latest survey
The Nationalist Party leads the Labour Party by 12,000 votes in MaltaToday’s first survey since the European election in June. With 48.2% of voter support, the PN holds a 4.4-point lead over the PL, based on a projected 75.7% turnout. Despite Bernard Grech trailing Robert Abela by 16 points in the Trust Barometer, the PN’s success appears to continue the momentum gained in the MEP election. Despite the Labour Party trailing the PN in the polls, the performance of the government led by Robert Abela is still perceived as satisfactory by a majority of respondents. The Government Performance Barometer gives the administration a score of 2.6 out of 5, a slight improvement since May. (Maltatoday)
Consultant to be charged with diver’s death
A magisterial inquiry into the death of Polish diver Krzysztof Białecki has found sufficient grounds to charge a hyperbaric consultant with involuntary homicide. The inquiry recommends that the 43-year-old consultant be held responsible for his actions on the day of Białecki’s death, which occurred on July 6. If convicted, the consultant could face up to four years in prison and a fine of €11,646. Led by Magistrate Joe Mifsud, the report highlights the consultant’s absence during critical moments and reliance on a trainee, along with mismanagement of Białecki’s treatment, as contributing factors in the fatal incident (Times of Malta)
