AD in a statement today said that it “believes that family friendly measures in various forms are essential to ensure both a work-life balance as well as a better and longer commitment of workers to their work.”

Robert Callus, AD spokesperson on social policy, said, “The recent pronouncements of the Chamber of Commerce against the proposal made by the Government that working parents of small children may utilise their sick-leave for the purpose of looking after their sick children points to the lack of sensitivity towards the plight of workers in such situations.

He added, “AD believes that such a measure would encourage more parents of small children, especially mothers, to remain in full-time employment. Furthermore, there are workers, such as teachers, who are not entitled to vacation leave.”

“AD agrees with Minister Coleiro Preca that the Chamber should look at the wider picture and not only at employers’ interests. AD urges the Government and the social partners to discuss the matter and to find the most effective solution, particularly in the case of small companies, which may need the support of Government in such matters,” Robert Callus concluded.

Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson, said, “AD believes that if we are truly committed to gender equality and a just labour market, all efforts should be made to ensure that workers, especially working parents of small children, are able to find an effective balance between work and family responsibilities. This is not only beneficial to workers, but also to employers and to the economy of the country. Otherwise we would only be paying lip service to gender equality.”

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