The GWU, in Budget proposals today, called for cost-of-living wage adjustments to be given every six months, to more effectively mirror fluctuation in prices.

Union General Secretary Tony Zarb told a press conference that in this way, workers and their families would be compensated for price rises six months in arrears, and not after a year, as at present.

Furthermore, he insisted, the formula used for the calculation of the adjustment needed to be improved so that it could be a more accurate measure.

He said that an MCESD sub-committee which had discussed the issue had prepared a report which would now be discussed by the MCESD members individually before being presented to a plenary session of the council.

OTHER PROPOSALS

Turning to other proposals, Mr Zarb said the GWU was continuing to insist that the minimum wage should rise and public holidays which fell on weekends should not be lost to workers, but should be 'handed back' in a staggered manner over a three-year period.

He insisted that the government should take more measures to discourage 'precarious work' including inspection of workers' conditions before public contracts were awarded.

He also called for an immediate reduction in utility tariffs and the allocation of more resources to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority so that it could carry out more inspections at places of work.

In other proposals, the GWU is calling for cheaper medicines, a reduction of hospital waiting time and waiting lists, an upgrading of Gozo hospital and improved student stipends.