Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party reaffirmed its support to FORUM, comprising trade unions representing 12,000 workers, in its bid to form part of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development. AD’s delegation comprised Chairperson and Spokesperson for Economy and Finance Michael Briguglio; General Secretary and spokesperson for Energy, Industry and Transport Ralph Cassar, and spokesperson for Social Policy Angele Deguara.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “It is shameful that the Government keeps washing its hands off responsibility and thus excluding FORUM from participating in MCESD. 12,000 workers are therefore without a voice at MCESD.”

In an initial reaction to Government’s budget document, Briguglio appealed to the Government to give priority to realistic compensation to cost of living increases, clean energy, pension reform, education, sustainable and universal healthcare, and sustainable finance, among others.

Angele Deguara, Spokesperson for Social Policy, said that, “In order to address the social inequalities and risks which exist in the labour market, a realistic assessment of the cost of living adjustment should be carried out so that the yearly compensation truly reflects the rise in inflation. We also reiterate our call for an increase in the minimum wage which will not only improve the quality of life of low-income earners but also enhance productivity.”

“We also call for a sustainable and just pension reform which would ensure more social justice and a better quality of life for the elderly. One of our proposals is the introduction of a second pillar reserved exclusively for pensions. Furthermore, we do not agree with the requirement that one needs to have worked for 40 years to be entitled to a contributory pension especially in these times of precarious and flexible employment where certain people would be constrained to move in and out of the labour market.”

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