Speech by Ms Joanne Bondin, President of the Malta Employers’ Association on the Occasion of the 60th Annual General Meeting, 27th March 2025

Esteemed colleagues and members of the Malta Employers’ Association…. friends,

It is indeed my pleasure and honour to address you on the occasion of this Annual General Meeting closing my two, two-year Presidential terms.

My experience at the helm of this wonderful Association was both challenging and enriching. It certainly passed very quickly because it doesn’t seem a long time ago since I gave my first speech to my colleagues on Council four years ago.

I can safely say, however, that in these four years we achieved a lot, and this was the result of excellent teamwork and support from our Presidency Group, our Council and our Permanent Team.

This occasion today gives us an opportunity to look back and celebrate what we have achieved and where we have arrived. Today is also a celebration of our 60th AGM, a significant milestone in the life of our Association and a reaffirmation of our commitment to the values and principles that have guided us over the past six decades. You will all agree that today’s occasion also serves as a moment of reflection and anticipation as we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that await us. After all, if we have made it through 60 AGMs, we can make it through anything!

A Legacy of Strength and Influence

Since 1965, the Malta Employers’ Association has been a strong and reliable voice for employers across all industries. We have always been committed to supporting responsible employers, promoting healthy workplace relations, and shaping policies that create a fair and thriving business environment.

Over the years, we’ve been at the heart of national decision-making—helping shape key laws, negotiating fair industrial relations frameworks, and contributing to economic strategies that benefit not just employers, but also employees and the wider economy.

We also make sure Malta’s business community has a say in the conversations that matter. Whether it’s through our role in the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), the Employment Relations Board (ERB), or international bodies like the ILO, IoE, and SGI Europe, we continue to stand up for our members—ensuring that Malta remains a place where businesses can thrive, innovate, and succeed.

Strategic Changes and Organisational Transformation

My tenure as President was, shall we say, eventful—defined by the Covid pandemic and all the challenges it threw our way. From its profound impact on human life and health to the unchartered waters we all had to navigate, it was a period of uncertainty, adaptation, and, at times, sheer improvisation. Our priority was to guide our members through this challenging time, offering clarity where possible and reassurance where necessary.

Like everyone else, we also took a step back to reflect—not just on how we do things, but on how we could do them better. We gathered in small groups (socially distanced, of course), rethought our strategy, and reimagined the future of the Association. The result? A successful transformation that strengthened MEA’s foundation, modernised our approach, and ensured we remain as relevant and resilient as ever—ready to face whatever disruption comes next (though hopefully not another pandemic!).

One of the key milestones during this time has been the seamless leadership transition. After the well-earned retirement of our long-serving Director General, Joe Farrugia, we welcomed Kevin J Borg as our new Director General. Kevin brings a wealth of experience in social dialogue, policymaking, and business advocacy. This transition was carefully managed to ensure stability, continuity, and a fresh outlook on the road ahead.

I take this opportunity to thank Joe for his unwavering dedication to the Malta Employers and for agreeing to remain on board as an advisor,—ensuring that we continue to benefit from his wisdom, experience, and passion.

Embracing the Future: Rebranding and Digitalisation

A key achievement has been the Association’s rebranding and digital transformation. In today’s fast-paced world, we recognised the need to modernise our image and communication strategy. Our new website enhanced digital platforms, and stronger online presence have revolutionised how we connect with and support our members. This aligns with our refreshed brand identity—symbolising our energy, dynamism, and commitment to fostering a resilient and competitive business environment while engaging a new generation of employers.

Challenges Ahead: Regulatory and Geopolitical Concerns

As we celebrate our achievements, we must also recognise the challenges ahead—challenges that will require unity, resilience, and bold action.

Increasing Regulation

As an EU member, Malta faces an expanding regulatory landscape. The ESG agenda is placing new obligations on businesses to integrate sustainability and ethical practices. This shift affects all companies, large and small, and we are committed to guiding our members through these changes, particularly in Social and Governance areas, to ensure competitiveness and resilience.

The EU Wage Transparency Directive will also significantly alter how businesses manage employment. While transparency is important, we must ensure it does not create burdens that hinder competitiveness. Malta Employers will continue to safeguard the interests of Maltese employers and guide our members through these challenges.

Governance and Economic Integrity

We are also concerned by the growing issues surrounding governance and transparency. The recent Transparency International report, which placed Malta at its lowest rank in the Corruption Perception Index, is a call to action. Corruption, whether real or perceived, damages our economy and erodes trust. We will continue to advocate for strong ethics, accountability, and the rule of law.

We have also opposed changes to the Magisterial Enquiries Bill that could weaken governance and transparency. The business community thrives when institutions are strong, and we urge the government to uphold high standards to maintain Malta’s attractiveness for investment and business growth.

Mandatory Union Membership

We reaffirm our position against mandatory union membership. No employer or employee should be forced into membership by the State. We believe that mandatory union membership could work against both employees and employers, particularly those without union representation, and undermines the principle of freedom of association. This measure would interfere with the rights of employees and employers alike, and we will continue to oppose any such imposition.

Malta Vision 2050

Finally, we’ve been involved in shaping the new Economic Vision for Malta. It is crucial that this vision enjoys political consensus for seamless continuity over the next 25 years. The new vision must align with Malta’s physical and demographic realities and focus on quality, innovation, and long-term planning to ensure competitiveness while addressing socio-economic challenges.

In summary, while we face significant challenges, we remain committed to guiding our members through these issues with resilience and determination.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

So, looking ahead towards 2050, despite the many challenges I mentioned, I remain more than optimistic about the future. Malta’s employers have always demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and innovation. In the coming months and years, our role as an employers’ organisation will be more critical than ever.

We must continue to champion policies that promote a fair and flexible labour market, one that allows our enterprises both large and small to operate smoothly, ethically and competitively. At the same time, we must remain vigilant against threats to good governance and proactive in addressing regulatory challenges. And we must embrace change, leverage technology, and foster a culture of innovation to remain competitive on the global stage.

A Final Word of Thanks

Before I conclude, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all who have supported me throughout my tenure as President.

As I said at the outset of my speech, our achievements during the past eventful four years would not have materialised were it not for the dynamic participation and selfless dedication of my Team, the Presidency Group and our Council. Your tireless efforts have created a business environment where all of us can thrive—so, thank you!

It has been an honour to serve Malta Employers over the past four years. I believe I still have much to contribute to this Association, which I hold in great regard, and I look forward to continuing to serve in whatever capacity you see fit.

In the meantime, I will fully support my successor to ensure a smooth transition and wish Malta Employers continued success on its next 60-year journey!

Let us keep working hand in hand, with determination and foresight, to create a better, stronger, and more prosperous Malta.

Thank you.