Minimum wage should be raised – AD

Alternattiva Demokratika has welcomed the report by Caritas which calls for an increase in the minimum wage and said it backs such a call.

Angele Deguara, AD spokesperson on Social Policy, said in a statement: "AD has been calling for more sensitivity towards the hardships experienced by thousands of people living in poverty in Malta for a long time. The recent proposal made by Caritas on the basis of its most recent study among the poor confirms that our recommendations for a revision of the minimum wage are not only realistic but essential. The minimum wage has never been revised since it was first introduced 40 years ago. It is only increased on the basis of the COLA adjustments which take place in every budget and which affect all wages".

Michael Briguglio, AD chairman said that if coupled with an increase in productivity, an increase in the minimum wage would not only improve standard of living of workers, but will also not have inflationary effects on the economy.

"It is high time that the Nationalist and Labour Parties agree with this proposal, which is also supported by trade unions and progressive organisations" he said.