Alternattiva Demokratika said this morning it welcomed the fact that the Labour Party had endorsed its proposals for free childcare centres.

In a statement, chairman Michael Briguglio said child care services should be universally accessible and, in collaboration with the private sector, the State should provide free services to those who needed them.

There should also be more opportunities for teleworking, flexitime upon workers' choice and other family-friendly measures.

 “This should be coupled with other progressive measures such as an increase in minimum wage; an increase in disability pension; and an increase in parental leave, to 20 weeks, with the other partner benefitting from two weeks, as proposed within the EU.”

The state should also create a joint fund with the private sector to assist small and medium businesses in the implementation of this measure.

“AD is the only party proposing these progressive reforms,” Dr Briguglio said adding that gender equality mainstreaming should take place at all levels of society, including all levels of government and in the private sector.

“Malta is often the last among EU Member States when it comes to gender equality,” he pointed out.