Malta should adopt working-time directive - AD

Alternattiva Demokratika has urged the government and civil society representatives to support the proposed working-time directive in the EU.

The directive, which establishes a maximum average 48-hour working week, can help improve the quality of life of workers and create new jobs, especially if coupled with other improvements in employment legislation, AD said.

AD chairman Michael Briguglio said: "AD supports policies that reduce exploitation of workers and that encourage employment with decent pay and conditions. AD is the only Maltese political party that is supporting the working-time directive, just as we are the only political party that is calling for an increase in the minimum wage, also including part-time work."

Long working hours could be detrimental, unhealthy and unsafe for workers, and could therefore also be costly for the economy, Mr Briguglio said.

Malta has the lowest employment rate in the EU, especially due to low employment among women and ageing workers.