'Time to end economic model dependant on exploitation of workers': ADPD
Political party says workers in some sectors, many of whom are foreign workers, are being paid on average 38% less than others
It is time to bid farewell to an economic model that depends on the exploitation of workers through low wages, ADPD said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference outside Mater Dei, Mario Mallia and Sandra Gauci said there was a considerable number of workers, in particular those from sectors like construction, health, and services, who are paid low wages that do not reflect the value of their work.
"The hospital is one such place of work where people with different backgrounds, different roles and from different countries work together to provide care and essential services to us all.
"It is a fact that workers in such sectors, many of whom are foreign, are being paid on average 38% less than others. Not only is this unjust, but it also shows that the economic model in use is dependent on cheap labour and not quality, skills, and productivity."
This economic mode, they insisted, was damaging to both foreign and Maltese workers.
"We cannot forget that certain sectors, such as care and health, depend on foreign workers. These workers are a pillar of our society, and they deserve the same protection, respect, and dignity as anybody else.
"Their working conditions should be regulated properly, with fair pay, adequate accommodation, and full access to all rights in connection with work and living standards. When taking into consideration the fact that rent has increased by 175% in five years, it becomes obvious that in our society, there is a substantial sector experiencing poverty."
ADPD believes it is time for:
• The end of the economic model that depends on exploitation based on low wages
• A minimum wage that is sufficient for a decent living. An annual salary of €12,000 is far from the €19,000 annual salary that Caritas calculated is necessary for a family of four people.
• Effective enforcement of all workers’ rights, including those of foreign and gig (digital platforms) workers.
• The push for effective measures to protect more workers through a collective agreement to increase beyond the current figure of 31%. The European Union directive dictates that the rate should go up to 80%.
• Rent control for accommodation that is affordable for those on a low wage.
• Better work-life balance.