The General Workers’ Union has pushed back against the idea of using robot waiters to address labour shortages in Malta’s hospitality sector, arguing that technology should support workers rather than replace the human element at the heart of the industry.“Robots are not the answer,” the union said, as it called instead for greater investment in wages, working conditions, training and career opportunities to make hospitality more attractive to workers.The GWU’s intervention comes amid an ongoing debate over how Malta’s hospitality industry can tackle staffing shortages while increasingly turning to technology and automation.While acknowledging the benefits that new technology can bring to the sector, GWU Secretary General Kevin Camilleri argued that there are parts of hospitality that machines simply cannot replicate.“Technology can help reduce workloads and make services more efficient. However, a robot can deliver a plate, but it cannot welcome a guest with a smile, remember their name, or make them feel genuinely welcome,” Camilleri said.“Hospitality is an industry built around people and human interaction.”The union pointed to the importance of tourism to Malta’s economy, saying the industry supports around 48,000 jobs and accounts for more than 10% of the country’s GDP.However, Camilleri argued that the reasons behind hospitality’s labour shortages need to be addressed before looking towards technology to replace workers.“We need to invest in better wages, decent working conditions, training and career opportunities,” he said.“If we want to attract and retain more workers in hospitality, we must make the sector more sustainable and attractive.”The GWU also argued that Malta could tap further into its so-called “silver economy” by making it easier for older people to remain in the workforce.According to the union, experienced older workers could continue contributing through flexible employment arrangements, ongoing training and schemes allowing them to gradually transition into retirement.Ultimately, Camilleri said decisions about the future of hospitality and the introduction of new technology should involve the workers who will be directly affected.“The discussion about the future of hospitality must take place with workers and their representatives,” he said.“The future of work cannot be built by pushing people aside. It must be built by using technology responsibly to improve both the quality of work and the quality of service.”The union said it would continue advocating for longer-term solutions to Malta’s hospitality labour challenges that improve working conditions while safeguarding the quality of the country’s tourism offering.Do you think robots in hospitality is the future of catering?•