An increase in the minimum wage is essential for social development and a healthy economy, Alternattiva Demo­kratika said yesterday.

The economics of cheap labour is regressive and outdated, AD chairman Michael Briguglio told a news conference.

Pledging that AD would not betray workers’ interests in the upcoming general election, Dr Briguglio said it was “appalling” that the Labour Party had joined the bandwagon of those who pessimistically predicted that only low wages could enhance competitiveness.

“An increase in the minimum wage would help improve the quality of life of the workers and increase spending power. Such an increase would also encourage more people to enter the formal labour market, making work pay, and enhancing productivity.”

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