Part-timers deprived of their rights, MEPs say

A delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights has criticised Malta's implementation of the European Directive on part-time employees.

The committee's chairman, Anna Zàborskà, said the law was being misinterpreted in Malta, leading to the abuse of a lot of part-time employees, mainly women, who were being deprived of rights to leave, sick leave and bonuses.

"It is not enough to have legislation on paper. The interpretation of that legislation is of greater importance," she said, though she acknowledged that Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina was aware of the situation and was trying to do something about it.

Dr Zàborskà also expressed surprise that parental leave without pay was given in Malta. This, she said, did not encourage women to keep their job.

During its stay in Malta, the delegation had a meeting with representatives of non-governmental organisations and social partners active in the sphere of women's rights, employment and business, health, domestic violence, education and immigration.

Other meetings were held with the House Committee on Social Affairs, a delegation from the Health Ministry, female representatives of the Local Councils Association and the gender unit of the Employment and Training Corporation.

The delegation also met Ms Cristina and Parliamentary Secretary Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici.

While acknowledging the efforts made by the government in terms of gender equality - namely the adoption in recent years of equality and domestic violence legislation - it said more financial and human resources were needed to efficiently implement these laws.

The delegation noted the government's decision to enhance budgetary spending for childcare facilities and pointed out that the targets agreed at the Barcelona Council in 2002 - to be achieved by 2010 - included the provision of childcare to at least 90 per cent of children aged between three and the mandatory school leaving age by 2010 and to at least 33 per cent of children under three.

A concrete strategy, the MEPs said, including the sensibilisation of men, ought to be designed to help women and men reconcile their family and professional lives.

With regard to health, the delegation strongly encouraged the government to support a reinforcement of breast cancer screening programmes.

The delegation noted that major gender sensitive approaches to the management of illegal immigration and trafficking in women were ongoing to identify and fight situations of abuse as well as to concretely support victims.

It also noted the government's willingness to include the gender dimension in all policies, namely through the gender equality focal points in all ministries, and called for a continuous effort towards a comprehensive gender equality strategy to support and reinforce the current trend of Maltese society.

Asked for the delegation's views on Malta's position against abortion and divorce, Ms Lulling said countries must decide these issues for themselves and the delegation respected Malta's opinions.

Delegation member Christa Prets said, however, that in her opinion it did not make sense to allow people to separate but not to remarry. "This is denying them a second chance," she said.