Alternattiva Demokratika has called for an increase to the minimum wage, saying the current rate was unrealistic compared with the cost of living.

AD general secretary Ralph Cassar told a news conference the increase should also be reflected in the hourly rate of part-time employment.

"We disagree with the Prime Minister and with business interests who say this will dent our country's competitiveness," he said. Competitiveness was based on various factors, including productivity, costs, bad administration, inefficiencies and bad government practices.

AD spokesman on the EU Arnold Cassola said the resistance to capping overtime work was due to low wages.

"People are forced to work more, even at the expense of their family and social life because they have to make ends meet somehow. We must move away from this state of affairs if we really believe in quality of life for all," he said.