GWU lists election proposals

The GWU this afternoon announced a 56-page document listing proposals which will be made to the political parties for inclusion in their electoral programmes.

Among the most important proposals is a call for a revision of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) mechanism in a way which ensures that the cost of living is adjusted every six months and not every year, as at present.

GWU General Secretary Tony Zarb said COLA should be calculated on a wider 'basket' of goods relevant to everyday life, and and the union is also proposing that COLA salary increases should not be considered for tax purposes.

On pensions, the union says that the minimum pension should be at least 60% of the national average pay.

The union is also calling for a revision of the minimum wage, lower water, electricity and gas prices, job creation, particularly in Gozo, reform and more efficiency in Enemalta and Mepa, and efficiency, transparency and accountability in the general government.

It is also proposing that the Industrial Tribunal should be reviewed, with the chairman being a judge who would preside over a new Employment Court.

The union is also seeking better representation for Civil Society in the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development. 

It is also calling for a review of regulations on open markets and a review of the regulations on the sale of alcohol. 

The union also makes a strong call for measures to counter abuse of workers, including migrants.

It reiterates its call for proper trade union rights for uniformed personnel such as the police.

In another proposal, it says that public holidays dropped since 2005 should be 'returned to the workers'.

The union insists that regulations which ban strike action by public transport drivers should be revoked, and talks should be held on whether this should be considered as being an essential service.