Justice for Workers campaign launched calling for improved worker’s rights and a just economy
On Wednesday, Moviment Graffitti and a number of other organisations launched the ‘Justice for Workers’ campaign in a press conference held symbolically beneath Manuel Dimech’s monument in Castille Square.
The campaign document - outlining the current unjust scenario as well as seven demands for justice – “illustrates how, amidst a steadily growing economy, we have a widening wealth gap, workers’ exploitation and unsatisfactory working conditions, leaving an extremely negative impact on the quality of life of thousands of workers.”
“Government continues to fail workers in Malta, failing to enforce and upgrade safeguards, raise wages adequately and address new exploitative realities such as the gig economy,” they said.
“It also deliberately curbed EU mandated improved work-life balance measures that could have improved the lives of many parents and carers.”
Many Maltese workers, including youths and graduates, said they do not see a future on the island and prefer to work abroad, given the option. “Inflation and the higher cost of living have meant that the value of workers’ wages decreased. In terms of purchasing power, Malta is among the seven EU countries with the lowest minimum wage and among the eight EU countries with the lowest average wage.”
Malta’s ever-growing economy now depends significantly on cheap foreign labour, with wages remaining low and exploitation increasing, they said. “Moreover, administrative measures imposed by Government leave many migrant workers dependant on their employers and unable to fight exploitation. “
The organisations emphasised that workers are not machines to be used and abused at will. “Workers deserve the dignity, the rights and the monetary compensation that enable them to live decently.”
The organisations are demanding a different economic model “that places workers, not private profits, at its centre.”
They propose that this be done by firstly “revising wages at the bottom of the salary hierarchy for a substantial increase. To this end, Malta should aim for a minimum wage that constitutes a living income. Raising the minimum wage will organically lead to an increase in all low wages which will have to be adjusted upwards in relation to the elevated wage floor.”
They propose upgrading the conditions of work for all workers through mandatory work-life balance measures, “such as a shorter working week and more paid maternity, paternity, parental and caring leave.”
They call for “revising Malta’s outdated employment laws in order to effectively address new exploitative realities.”
They call for ensuring that one public entity is responsible for following up reports of workers’ abuse, in all its different forms, and taking effective action against this.
They also want administrative measures which are structurally placing migrant workers at the mercy of their employers, “thus breeding exploitation,” removed. “All workers should have equal access, in practice, to effective remedies against abuse.”
The organisations also want binding regulations on rent prices and prices of basic necessities introduced, “so as to prevent abuse driven by the thirst for predatory profits, and to safeguard the purchasing power of workers.”
They also propose promoting workers’ participation in decision-making.
“The ‘Justice for Workers’ campaign will be continuously bringing these issues to light and keep fighting for the rights and dignity of workers. Groups that favour social justice are welcome to join this campaign by reaching out to Moviment Graffitti.”
The organisations endorsing the campaign are: Aditus Foundation, Alleanza Kontra l-Faqar, Betapsi, Blue Door Education, Dance Beyond Borders, Earth Systems Association, Jesuit Refugee Service – Malta (JRS), Justice and Peace Commission, Kunsill Nazzjonali taż-Żgħażagħ (KNŻ), Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU), Moviment Graffitti, Solidarjeta’ – Workers’ and tenants’ union, Young Progressive Beings (YPB), Żgħażagħ Ħaddiema Nsara (ŻĦN).