Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party welcomed the report by Caritas which calls for an increase in the minimum wage. AD reiterated its budget proposal for an increase in the minimum wage, and called for other political parties to endorse this proposal.

Angele Deguara, AD spokesperson on Social Policy, said: “AD has been calling for more sensitivity towards the hardships experienced by thousands of people living in poverty in Malta for a long time. The recent proposal made by Caritas on the basis of its most recent study among the poor confirms that our recommendations for a revision of the minimum wage are not only realistic but essential. The minimum wage has never been revised since it was first introduced 40 years ago. It is only increased on the basis of the COLA adjustments which take place in every budget and which affect all wages”.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson and spokesperson for Economy and Finance said: “Alternattiva Demokratika has been calling for an increase in the minimum wage for the past years. If coupled with an increase in productivity, this will not only improve standard of living of workers, but will also not have inflationary effects on the economy. It is high time that the Nationalist and Labour Parties agree with this proposal, which is also supported by trade unions and progressive organisations”.