In its message for Workers Day, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party called for increased efforts to combat precariousness, inequality and social exclusion, and for polices that enhance a just work-life balance and green jobs.
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson and spokesperson for Economy and Finance, said that “AD’s message for workers’ day is that even though the Maltese economy is doing relatively well, there are increasing inequalities and risks such as precarious employment. For this reason, AD calls for a realistic assessment of the cost of living adjustment to be carried out in order that the yearly compensation truly reflects the rise in inflation. AD also reiterates that Malta needs an increase in the minimum wage. This can also help bring about more productivity and, above all, put more money in the pockets of low-income earners who are truly hardly hit by the global recession. We also call for a sustainable and just pension reform, whereby more money would be saved in the State pensions system. AD also calls for increased investment and incentives so that Malta can move towards a Green New Deal, creating green jobs in areas such as services, sustainable tourism, waste management, public transport, and alternative energy.”
Angele Deguara, AD spokesperson for Social Policy, said: that “Tere are many workers who despite having a job, do not have decent working conditions. Not enough effort is being done to curb abuses suffered by certain vulnerable workers such as those who are made to work without a permit or to register as self-employed so that they would be denied the benefits which they are entitled to. Many workers lack job security because they are constrained to accept contract work. Certain categories of workers such as manual workers, immigrants, persons with disability, ex-convicts, women, older and younger workers are more vulnerable than others. These people should not only have better access to the labour market but they should be offered decent working conditions and have their rights respected. More priority should be given to the need of both women and men to be able to find a suitable work-life balance especially in cases of families with small children so that both men and women would be able to contribute effectively to the economy while taking an active role in the upbringing of their children.”
In the meantime, AD expressed its support of FORUM’s membership of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).