Various colleagues of mine, former employees of Telemalta/Maltacom/GO, have recently benefitted from a revision of their social security pension, receiving substantial amounts as arrears for the period 2013/17. I am not objecting to this just measure, neither would, I believe, the numerous pensioners who, in turn, suffered an injustice as a result.

Let’s go back 30 to 40 years ago, when the government had thousands of employees on its payroll, with scales stretching to 99, which were brought down to 20 when the government reformed the civil service.

The employees on scale 20 got the lowest salary and those on scales 3-10 were paid more. The employees on scale 20 contributed less to social security since the contribution is according to one’s salary and this is where the injustice takes root.

Those workers who benefitted from the revision mentioned earlier had, during their working life, contributed less towards the fund than their higher-salaried colleagues, yet, they are now enjoying the same pension of €978.

This problem does not only affect the employees mentioned above but most of the Maltese workers on the higher scales who will be receiving the same pension as workers who had contributed less.

Government employees engaged after January 15, 1979, and therefore, have no Treasury pension – including judges, heads of department, teachers, lecturers – will be receiving the same pension as the employee on the lowest scale.

I appeal to members of Parliament and trade unions to take the necessary steps to reform, review and adjust the capping as this is the only way the injustice can be corrected.

We expect justice for all.