Moviment Graffitti, in a statement, has strongly condemned the proposal by the Malta Employers Association to introduce a ‘waiting day,’ where the first day of sick leave would be unpaid.

“This proposal should be opposed on principle and in light of the past struggles of the workers’ movements to achieve decent working conditions,” said Moviment Graffitti.

The health and wellbeing of employees must always be prioritised over profit, added Moviment Graffitti. “The introduction of a waiting day puts economic pressure on, and will affect, all workers, especially those with health problems.”

Moviment Graffitti pointed out that “the excuse that such a measure exists in other countries is unreasonable because it omits the fact that the wages in Malta are significantly lower than those in mainland Europe.”

“Such a proposal also shows the MEA’s indifference towards the speedily rising cost of living and the challenges faced by many ordinary Maltese families to make ends meet,” it said.

Moviment Graffitti said that is ready to seek alliances with workers’ movements if sick leave rights are put under threat. “These rights must be protected at all costs since, as we have seen from other rights such as leave that falls on weekends, if these rights are lost, they might be lost for good.”

Moviment Graffitti concluded by saying that it also believes that the MEA’s concerns over legalised marijuana are unattested. “Claiming the right to conduct random drug tests implies intrusion into the private life of employees which is totally unacceptable.”

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