Teva Malta defends pay offer as GWU orders industrial action at Bulebel plant

Teva Malta has defended its position in ongoing collective agreement negotiations after the General Workers’ Union (GWU) announced industrial action at the company’s Bulebel plant, citing what it described as the company’s “continued refusal to reach a fair collective agreement.”

Speaking to BusinessNow.mt, Teva Malta said it was aware of the recent public statements issued by the union regarding the discussions and insisted that it had engaged constructively throughout the process.

“Teva Malta values all its employees and recognises their contribution to the continued success of the Malta site. Management has engaged in discussions in good faith in the last couple of months and remains committed to constructive and respectful dialogue aimed at reaching a balanced and sustainable collective agreement,” the company said.

Revised proposals and salary improvements

Teva Malta stated that as part of the negotiations it had reviewed and adjusted its proposals, including offering what it described as a consistent salary improvement compared to the previous collective agreement.

Management said it believes the revised proposals represent a “meaningful enhancement to overall remuneration” and are “significantly above recent local inflation trends.”

The company also emphasised that the majority of employees covered by the collective agreement work on a four-shift pattern, which includes additional salary adjustments through shift allowances and premium payments, including enhanced compensation for weekend work.

“These elements form an integral part of employees’ total remuneration package and are an important consideration within the broader discussions,” the company said.

Sustainability and competitiveness

Teva Malta highlighted that, as part of a global pharmaceutical network, it must ensure that any agreed changes are sustainable over the long term.

The Malta operation functions within a highly competitive international environment and is considered a medium-sized facility within Teva’s European manufacturing network. “It is essential that the operation remains competitive and resilient to safeguard its future,” the company said.

Marking its 50th anniversary year, Teva Malta said its priority is to ensure the long-term stability of the site, continued investment, and job security for its employees.

“Achieving this requires maintaining a careful balance between rewarding employees and ensuring that the business can continue to operate successfully and sustainably in Malta in line with the continued support of Malta Enterprise and the Malta Medicines Authority,” the company added.

Teva said it remains open to continued engagement and hopes discussions can proceed constructively, with the shared objective of reaching an agreement in the best interests of both employees and the company.

Industrial action to begin Monday

The General Workers Union’s chemical and energy section has announced that industrial action will commence on Monday at the Bulebel plant of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, the world’s largest generic drug manufacturer.

Teva has operated in Malta since 2015, when it acquired Actavis for $40.5 billion and took over its factory in Bulebel. The plant currently employs around 500 people and is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing facility of its kind in Malta.

The union said the decision to commence industrial action “was not taken lightly,” but followed months of unsuccessful negotiations and repeated attempts to avoid escalation.

According to the GWU, despite numerous meetings, extensive correspondence and discussions held in good faith – including conciliation efforts – no agreement was reached. The union claims that Teva rejected what it described as “reasonable proposals” aimed at safeguarding workers’ conditions, wages and rights, and remained unwilling to address the concerns raised on behalf of employees.

This prompted the union to convene official meetings with its members at the factory, during which the majority rejected the company’s position and mandated the GWU to proceed with industrial action.

The GWU said it remains willing to return to the negotiating table to reach what it described as a “fair and balanced agreement” in the interest of both workers and the company.

Image credit: Teva Malta