The minimum wage as calculated in Malta is not adequate for those who depend on it for their livelihood,” said ADPD Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo. “Workers and families depending on it simply cannot live a decent and dignified life.”

Addressing the media in Castille Square, Valletta, this morning, Cacopardo stated that “the publication of the third Caritas report yesterday further reinforces the view that there are shortcomings in the way the minimum wage is being computed in Malta.”

Carmel Cacopardo said that the Caritas study concludes that a family consisting of two adults and two children needs €13,947 a year as a minimum to live decently.

“This is much higher requirement than the minimum wage of € 181.08 per week in 2021, even when taking into account the June and December statutory bonuses,” he added.

He referred to the European Union’s impact assessment, based on the minimum wage in 2019, which, he said, “draws similar conclusions as the Caritas study as it indicates the need for an increase of € 71 per week in the minimum wage minimum in Malta to make it suitable for a decent living.”

Carmel Cacopardo concluded by saying that “yesterday’s statement by the Prime Minister that the Government is willing to seriously consider the proposals of the Caritas report augurs well that even in Malta we will take the first steps to make the minimum wage a decent, and dignified income for all those who depend on it for their livelihoods.”

Archbishop Charles Scicluna, speaking about the report yesterday, said that “in a culture where economic progress is perceived as a sign of prosperity and a guarantee of a good quality of life, this document should serve as motivation for all of us to work to ensure that, as far as possible, all persons gain in an equitable manner from the wealth produced as a result of their work and labours.”

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