During the year there were 10 strikes which resulted in the loss of 2,480 work days. Under the Industrial Relations Act of 1976, the responsible minister may refer disputes to the Industrial Tribunal for binding settlement. No disputes were referred to the Industrial Tribunal in 1993. In practice, a striking union can ignore an unfavorable decision by continuing the strike on other grounds. There is no prohibition on unions affiliating internationally.
Collectively Workers are free, in law and practice, to organize and bargain collectively.
While most wages are negotiated between unions and employers, the Government in 1990 mandated a substantial nationwide wage increase after reaching agreement with the unions and employers. In December 1990 the Government, trade unions, and employers signed a comprehensive agreement regulating industrial relations and income policy. During the agreement's 3-year term, which was due to expire in December, the Malta Council for Economic Development informs the partners semiannually of the projected changes in the price index. The projections served as a basis for negotiating collective agreements. According to the Industrial Relations Act, an employer may not take action against any employee for participation or membership in a trade union.