Update 1100
Malta Officially Recognises the State of Palestine: Malta has officially recognised the State of Palestine, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced at the UN Conference on the Two-State Solution in New York. Abela said Malta’s decision reflects its commitment to a peaceful two-state solution, affirming both Israel’s right to exist and the Palestinians’ right to statehood. He stressed that recognition is not a victory for Hamas, which he condemned as a terrorist organisation with no role in Palestine’s future. Abela reiterated Malta’s calls for the release of all hostages, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to West Bank settler violence, and unhindered humanitarian aid. He also urged the Palestinian leadership to embrace non-violence, reforms, and elections. (The Malta Independent)
TCN Flags Human Trafficking, Workers’ Abuse in Meeting with Commission Executive Vice-President: At an Anti-Poverty Network meeting in Porto with the EU Commission’s Executive Vice-President, serious concerns were raised over human trafficking and exploitation of foreign workers and students in Malta. Speaking on behalf of Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem and the Anti-Poverty Forum Malta, Manav Sanger shared his own experience of homelessness after moving to Malta in 2016. He warned that many third-country nationals (TCNs) are lured under false pretences, then forced into low-paid work or poor study conditions. Employers and schools often revoke permits if TCNs protest, leaving them unable to work legally during lengthy appeals and at risk of homelessness. Sanger called for stricter enforcement, the right to work during appeals, and inclusion of lived experience in policymaking, echoed by Suret il-Bniedem’s General Manager, Sarah Bondin. (Maltatoday)
Rosianne Cutajar Rejoins Health Committee in Parliamentary Reshuffle: Labour MP Rosianne Cutajar has rejoined Malta’s parliamentary health committee after a reshuffle of government MPs across four key committees. Cutajar and Katya De Giovanni replaced Ray Abela and Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, the latter stepping down as chair due to cabinet duties that left the committee inactive for nearly two years. Romilda Zarb became chair earlier this month, with the committee resuming work on 17 September and set to meet again on 1 October. Other changes affected the public accounts, social affairs, and petitions committees. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
HSBC Malta staff strikes on sale dispute
HSBC Malta employees staged a sit-in strike following a directive issued by the Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE). Staff were instructed to log off all communication channels and banking systems from 12.30pm “until further notice.” The bank confirmed the industrial action was underway, with disruptions reported by customers, particularly at the contact centre. The dispute was believed to be tied to MUBE’s demand for compensation related to the bank’s impending sale to CrediaBank. Sources said the union sought between €50m and €60m in terminal benefits for employees, citing a clause in the collective agreement. Negotiations remained tense, as the strike signalled strong resistance from employees facing uncertainty over their future. (Times of Malta)
PN Leader clarifies stand against Gozo high-rises
Nationalist leader Alex Borg issued a statement making clear he opposed high-rise development in Gozo, dismissing claims he supported such projects. “Let me be clear, and read my lips: I do not want high rises in Gozo,” Borg said in a video on his social media. His remarks followed criticism after he suggested during an interview that areas could be identified under his proposed “skyline policy.” Borg insisted his policy was designed to preserve Gozo’s character, ensuring towers would not be built in villages. Borg urged Prime Minister Robert Abela to focus on issues including neglected infrastructure, Gozo Channel’s ship lease, and the lack of hospital investment, while calling current planning standards an “eye sore.” (Maltatoday)
Teachers’ union laments shortage of LSE
The start of the 2025/26 scholastic year highlighted a shortage of class learning support educators (LSEs), prompting the Union of Professional Educators (UPE) to declare a trade dispute with the Ministry of Education. The union stressed that the 2024 sectoral agreement required every class above a set size to benefit from an LSE, regardless of whether students had statements of needs. Executive head Graham Sansone said the breach had a detrimental effect on students, teachers, and the quality of education. “The promise was made in black and white, and it must be honoured,” he said. The UPE warned it would not accept non-compliance on what it described as a “fundamental issue,” pressing government to urgently rectify the situation. (Newsbook)
