Disagreement over public holidays’ amendment

The government’s amendment of the National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act was welcomed by the employers’ associations. Through the amendment, public holidays falling on weekends are no longer added to employees’ vacation leave. The major Maltese trade unions have declared that they will resist any law which breaches existing collective agreements. In a bid to enhance the country’s competitiveness, after several unsuccessful attempts to reach a consensus with the social partners, the government amended the National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act (http://docs.justice.gov.mt/lom/legislation/english /leg/vol_6/chapt252.pdf). By this amendment, public holidays falling on Saturdays or Sundays will no longer be added to employees’ vacation leave (MT0502103F (//www.eurofound.europa.eu/mk/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/union-collaborationdoes- not-result-in-social-pact)). This decision was applauded by the employers’ associations but denounced by the trade unions. Employers viewed this amendment as a cost saving measure which could eventually safeguard jobs and boost investments. For instance, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA (http://www.mhra.org.mt/)) welcomed the public holidays' measure and urged the employers to ensure its implementation in order to enhance the competitiveness of the accommodation and hospitality industry.peer-reviewe