Language
For many linguists, the origin of Maltese
dates back to the Phoenician occupation. This language that has survived for centuries
to the influence of Romance languages, today has many borrowings from Sicilian,
Italian, the Spanish, French and English. English is also the second official
language after Maltese.
Food
If the Maltese food shows strong Sicilian
influence, it is crossed with British accents in local dishes such as grilled
sausages with mashed potato, chops and roast accompanied by vegetables. Among
the most typical Mediterranean specialties, there are the pastizzi (savory
pastries with cheese), the timpana (macaroni gratin with eggs) and fenek
(rabbit) fried, stewed or pie.
Religion
The Catholic Church has a strong presence
in most of the towns and villages. There also has many celebrations to honor
the Saints.
Despite its decline, Catholicism still
plays an important role in the daily lives of most people. Thus, abortion is still banned in Malta, even if younger generations are trying to
liberalize the law.
Arts
Logically, it is the Mediterranean culture
that predominates in Malta, but 150 years of British presence has also left
some traces. Malta is known for its handicrafts, especially lace, weaving,
blown glass and silver filigree.
Work
in Malta
Only people over 16 years have the right to
work. Employment contracts are generally full-time for an indefinite period,
they are also called permanent contracts. Fixed-term and temporary contracts
are becoming more common in Malta. Recent trends in the work market shows that
employers are increasingly using this type of contract for senior management
and for positions requiring a qualified under contracts of engagement
workforce.
An employer may offer several successive
fixed-term contracts, but, after a number of years (under Maltese law, maximum
4 years) become fixed term contract under which the employee will be hired
permanently.
A trial period may be agreed at the
beginning of the employment relationship. It is six months and up to one year
for senior positions. A shorter period may be agreed between the parties.
During the trial period, either party may terminate the employment contract
without notice during the first month. During the remainder of the trial
period, a one week notice is required.
In Malta, employers recruit more and more
temporary staff through specialized agencies. These services are used in areas
requiring unskilled workforce. Temporary agencies can charge the employer a fee
to cover taxes, social security contributions, salaries and manpower costs.
Employment in Malta always gives rise to a
contract of employment, express or implied, by which the employee agrees to
complete a specific service for the account of an employer in exchange for an
agreed remuneration. The employer must give the employee a written document
specifying the conditions of employment within 8 days after being hired.
All employees receive an annual salary
increase due to cost of living. Employees earning the minimum wage are also
eligible for compensatory damages. Salaries on time, day or piece are paid at
least twice per month. The salary is paid at least every four weeks.
The minimum weekly salary in Malta in 2014
is € 165.68
Employees may also receive benefits such as
the provision of a company car, an accommodation, the refund of communication
and support for health insurance. The "high end", such as company
cars benefits are considered taxable income and as such may be taxed by the tax
administration.
The legal weekly working time in Maltese companies
is 40 hours.
Under Maltese law, the weekly working time
for all sectors of activity may not exceed 48 hours (or 40 hours of normal
working time and 8 hours of overtime (have to be paid)). No employer can force
an employee to work more than 48 hours per week, excepted if he has first
obtained the written agreement.
Work schedules vary from one sector to
another and are governed by collective agreements and the Government Wages
Councils specific to each industry.
At least every worker has the right to
annual leave with pay of 4 weeks and 4 days.
