Minimum wage increase proposed

The leftist organisation Zminijietna has submitted a list of proposals for the 2008 Budget, including an increase in the minimum wage.

Zminijietna said that the Budget should be based on social justice and introduce measures aimed at bringing about a more equal society.

Among other proposals, the organisation is asking for a cut in income tax and other taxes to give relief to low and middle income earners and increased taxation on the wealthy.

Other measures proposed include an extension of family welfare entitlements to cohabiting partners and single-parent families; the reduction of the energy surcharge while encouraging sustainable use of energy in a progressive way; and an adjustment of VAT rates, whereby products and services are rated according to their social, environmental and economic importance. Zmienijietna also want a commitment by the government to stop privatisation, to defend public services and to re-nationalise companies of strategic importance.