AD calls for higher minimum wage

Alternattive Demokratika this morning called for an increase to the minimum wage saying the current rate was not realistic when compared to the cost of living.

Addressing a news conference, secretary general Ralph Cassar said this 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 that this will decrease our country’s competitiveness.”

Competitiveness, he said, depended on various factors, including productivity and costs which companies had to pay because of bad administration, inefficiencies and bad government practices.

“Besides, Malta should not compete in a race to the bottom. It should aim to reach levels of other EU member-states which have managed to be competitive, productive and socially just at the same time.”

AD believed that Malta and the EU should adopt the ‘Green New Deal’ for the creation of stable job opportunities in sectors such as alternative energy, public transport, waste management, information technology, tourism agriculture and other sectors through which we can have a better environment.

Mr Cassar said the government and the social partners should also show more determination in combating precarious employment, which was on the increase among various categories of workers with different skills, experiences and qualifications.

“It is simply unacceptable that workers are forced to work overtime against their will, and in this regard we generally agree with the implementation of the Working Time Directive within the EU, which establishes a maximum number of working hours, with the intention of having less exploitation at work and creating new job opportunities for unemployed workers.”

AD also proposed the creation of indicators that gave value to unpaid work such as housework, voluntary work and caring for vulnerable persons.

“It would be positive if government introduces fiscal policy and inclusive measure that reward persons involved in such work, which is essential for society.

“It would also be positive if the sensibility of the Employment and Training Corporation with regard to training programmes for different categories of workers is also shown in other governmental social policies related to work,” Mr Cassar said.

AD spokesperson on EU and international affairs Arnold Cassola said that 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.”

Prof. Cassola said Malta also required work policies that were in favour of the different types of families that existed.

“In spite of all its rhetoric, Malta’s government keeps retaining amongst the lowest level of rights and opportunities for different family types.

“Examples of this include the minimal level of parental leave and the lack of a holistic and comprehensive policy on childcare centres, where parents can balance their responsibilities as parents with other activities in the public sphere, such as work, whilst their children receive quality education.

“One should also keep in mind that many rights enjoyed by workers in the public service are being denied to workers in the private sector,” he said.