Women's confederation lists budget proposals
The Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations (MCWO) has made a series of proposals to the government ahead of the forthcoming budget, including a call for the setting up of facilities to help working couples by providing care services for children before and after school and during holidays.
The confederation also urged the government to introduce more flexible conditions for women returnees after maternity leave. “It is suggested that this be done by allowing the mother to work part-time or on reduced hours for a number of weeks or months after the maternity leave period, and to include those working in the private sector.”
Among other suggestions were the promotion of teleworking and a father’s quota of parental leave.
On taxation, the confederation said Income tax refunds should be made to the employee who is entitled to it, not to the spouse/partner designated as the responsible partner for income declaration.
“A more comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act is necessary to move towards separate tax computations without having just one head of household in charge of income tax related matters.”
Other proposals included assistance to women entrepreneurs, minimum social security payments on part-time employment, an extension of the breast screening programme and a proper sex education programme.
The Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations (MCWO) represents 14 local organisations which collectively represent 24,000 women.
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Mae Zammit
Aug 9th 2008, 09:37
Government should stop taxing pensioners and allow them to live their last few
years in dignity after having contributed towards their pension until retirement.
It is about time, someone started looking after pensioners' interests.
J Pace
Aug 9th 2008, 09:26
I am a gozitan mother of a one year old and has just recently returned to work on reduced hours. This way I can still work three times a week and in the meantime raise my child up myself. So far my elderly mother takes care of my child when I am at work, however this cannot go on for long due to health reasons. There is only one nursery in gozo which to my knowledge caters for children under 3. What do I do then when my child is over 3 and my mum cannot babysit any longer? Stop working due to non-existant childcare facilities? I am hoping that a miracle can happen in these coming 2 years.....