The GWU has called for a downward revision of tax bands, a downward revision of utility bills, a reduction of VAT on maintenance works and catering establishments, and an upward revision of the minimum wage and pensions.

General Secretary Tony Zarb told a press conference that the union's proposals were based on competitiveness, a reduction in the cost of living and improving living standards.

He said the union wanted to see a greater number of people falling into the non-taxable band so that they could enjoy more purchasing power.

He insisted that the COLA cost of living adjustment should be paid to everyone in full, according to the existing mechanism. COLA, he said, should also be given pro-rata to students receiving stipends.

The union, Mr Zarb said, was also calling for a reduction in government induced costs, particularly for businesses.

He said that the national minimum pension should be equivalent to 60 per cent of the average wage from this January rather than January 1, 2027, as the government had proposed.

In his press conference Mr Zarb called for government action to reduce hospital waiting lists. He also called for a new mechanism to ensure that medicine prices did not continue to increase.

He said the government should provide more childcare centresto enable more women to work/

The government should also draw up a national strategy on tourism, including incentives for hotels to improve their product, better marketing and incentives for Gozo.

"The GWU is continuing to insist that in current circumstances, Malta's competitveness has to be safeguarded in order to, in turn ,safeguard the standard of living achieved over the years. This will stimulate the economy, which is essential for social harmony," Mr Zarb said.