Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1017392
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 22 AUGUST 2018 6 NEWS MATTHEW VELLA FOUR employer organisations will not attend meetings of the Employment Relations Board in protest at the introduction of new vacation leave rules. The Chamber of SMEs (GR- TU), the Chamber of Commerce, the Malta Employers Association and the Malta Hotels and Res- taurants Association said they were dismayed by the introduc- tion of four legal notices related to industrial and employment relations. "These legal notices were in- troduced without the knowledge of and any form of consultation with em-ployer bodies on 14 Au- gust, on the eve of Santa Marija, period commonly associated with shutdowns," the employers said. Under the new system, annual leave allotment will continue to accrue even during a period in which the employee is on mater- nity, sickness or injury leave and even when on unpaid leave. Under the new rules, once granted, leave cannot be re- voked under no circumstances whatsoever. Also, employers can only utilise up to 12 work- ing days from the annual leave entitlement for the shutdown period. "There has been a significant departure from the spirit of healthy social dialogue which existed so far at the ERB. In fact, these four legal notices were never discussed at ERB, a board which was established in the role to advise the Minister concerned on any matter related to condi- tions of employment, a prac-tice that so far was always observed," the employers said. The recently introduced legal notices deal with amendments to the protection of employment in the case of business transfers, temporary agency workers, new regulations on itemised payslips and annual leave. "Without the necessary con- sultation the legal notices are going to give rise to severe dis- ruptions in the labour market. We are officially requesting the government to put these four legal notices on hold until they are brought forward for discus- sion at ERB level subject to any amendments which will be pro- posed during this period." The employers said this should have been the procedure to be followed. "We're surprised that in spite of their numerous at- tempts to create a balanced en- vironment for social dialogue in the country, the authorities have decided to do away with consult- ing the main stakeholders repre- sented on this board." New vacation leave regulations As from January 1, 2019, un- less otherwise agreed in any ap- plicable collective agreement, the employer may only utilise up to the equivalent of 12 work- ing days from the annual leave entitlement for the pur-poses of any type of shutdown, includ- ing temporary closure of whole or part of the premises by the employers for bridge holidays or any other short periods of shutdown. Such period must be commu-nicated to employees by the end of January. Once leave from the annual entitlement has been agreed to by the employer and em- ployee, it can only be can- celled if both sides agree. Annual leave shall contin- ue to accrue in favour of an employee during the period when they are on ma-ternity, injury or sick leave. Such pro- vision may apply irrespective of whether this leave is fully paid, par-tially paid or unpaid. When a public or national holiday falling on a day of work or on a weekly day of rest, not being a Satur-day or a Sunday, falls within the pe- riod of maternity leave, the employee shall be entitled to the equiva-lent hours of an additional day of annual leave. Any period of pre-arranged leave coinciding with a period of maternity, sickness or inju- ry leave shall be carried to the subsequent year if such leave could not be availed of during the same year. In case of termination of employment, all the leave ac- crued during a period of ma- ternity leave, sickness or in- jury that had not been availed of, must be paid in accord- ance with the Organisation of Working Time Regulations. Any person who contravenes these provisions is liable to a fine of up to €465. New payslip regulations The employer shall be bound to give his employees an item- ised payslip either before or on the date when wages are due. Employers contravening these regulations could be li- able to a fine of between €500 and €1,165. The itemised payslip must contain, among other things, the total wages paid, the num- ber of normal and overtime hours worked and the respec- tive pay rates for Sundays or public holidays if applicable, the annual leave and sick leave balance to date for that calen- dar year and any breakdown of any bo-nuses, allowances and commissions received. Any deduction affected, in- cluding national insurance contribution, tax and others, must be included. If the payslip is not given, employers must present proof which exculpates them from any liability be-yond reason- able doubt. Employers boycott meetings in protest at new vacation leave regulations VALLETTA is this year hosting the pres- tigious European Capital of Culture title, and making the move to Valletta in the superb environment of St George's Square was a must. The Malta Military Tattoo has stead- ily grown into the event which provides a platform to local Military Bands to come together and display their talents in an appealing and enter-taining performance for all to enjoy. Together with the local element, the guests of the Tattoo offer an enriched contribution to the display and bring military music traditions from over- seas. International groups participating this year include: Topside, the US Naval Forc- es Europe's New Orleans-style brass band; and the Bersaglieri di Trapani from Tra- pani, Sicily. The latter was established in 2002 in Sicily to maintain the traditions of the region. The members are all dedicated to preserve the deep and patriotic values of their ancestors. The band has been invited to various events across Europe, bringing to audiences a modern youthful version of the Bersaglieri whilst also maintaining the traditional values of the Bersaglieri Corps. Joining these international military bands is The Emerald Isle Dance Team; a formation of dancers from Dublin and Kildare in Ireland, led by members of the renowned Cairde Damhsa Irish Dance Teachers Association. They dance to the traditional Irish music and bring to the Tattoo the traditions of dance routines associated with military displays. They have performed at a vast array of Tattoo displays including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Several local military groups will also have their own display. The Band of the Armed Forces of Malta which annually provides a display prepared entirely for the Malta Military Tattoo, will this year pro- vide a pleasant surprise to the audiences. They will also be joined by the drill team, who display the precision and discipline of the military routines. The Malta Police Force Band is also pre- paring a display to impress and will this year provide elements to make the audi- ences clap with enthusiasm. The Police Force Drill Team will also be present with a precision display for all to admire. The Massed Pipes and Drums will be made up of four local Maltese pipe bands: 1st Cospicua Scout Group Pipes and Drums; 1st Hamrun Scout Group Duke of Argyll's Own Pipe Band; Marsa Scouts Pipes and Drums; and the Wallace Pipes and Drums - Malta. They will be accom- panied by the Maltese group of Highland Dancers from the Artistique Dance Com- pany. The show will be held on 21, 22 and 23 of September, starting at the Grandmaster's Palace Courtyard and proceeding towards St George's Square. The Malta Military Tattoo is organised by MFCC, with the support and collabo- ration of the Valletta 2018 Foundation and the Malta Tourism Authority. Tickets are on sale online from ticket- line.com.mt or from the MFCC Offices, Level One Millennium Stand, Ta' Qali or from the Embassy Cinema Complex, Val- letta. 15th edition of the Malta Military Tattoo to be held in Valletta The Malta Police Force Drill Team with the Malta Police Force Band in a past edition of the Tattoo