In view of the recent comments by The Chamber regarding a possible increase in the minimum wage, AD said that it “reiterates the importance of reviewing Malta’s minimum wage which is essentially a social wage which just ensures that people are kept in poverty.”

In a statement today Robert Callus, AD Spokesperson on Social Policy, said, “AD is concerned about such statements which put competitiveness above all else. Cheap labour economics are outdated. Claims that cheap labour will enhance competitiveness seem to forget that competitiveness may be influenced by various social, economic, political and environmental factors on various levels.”

He added, “on the other hand, an increase in the minimum wage would help improve the quality of life of workers and increase their spending power. Such an increase would also encourage more people to enter the formal labour market, making work pay and enhancing productivity.”

Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson, said, “AD is the only party which has consistently called for a revision of the minimum wage because as studies such as those of Caritas (2012) have shown, a minimum wage increase is essential for alleviating, if not solving, the problem of poverty.”

“AD appreciates that the Ministry for Social Policy is working on addressing the issue. However, Minister Coleiro Preca has, so far, avoided committing herself to seriously consider increasing the minimum wage. Let us not put the interests of industry before the interest of human beings. There are various ways in which competitiveness may be enhanced, such as investment in alternative energy and in progressive technology. Cheap labour is not the solution,” Cassola concluded.

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