Whilst recognising the positive aspects of the national minimum wage deal, the Campaign for a Decent Minimum Wage does not consider the agreement reached between social partners and approved by government to meet workers’ legitimate expectations. The Campaign reiterated its proposal for an 11% increase of the minimum wage over three years, a figure that is already conservative, the organisation said. In addition, an increase in the minimum wage is primarily based on the principle of social justice and not on that of eradicating poverty.
"We are glad to have managed to get things moving so that after nearly forty years, it has been agreed that the minimum wage needs to be raised, and that our proposal for an ongoing review of the minimum wage has been accepted. We are also pleased that a Low Wage Commission is going to be set up and that the Prime Minister said that the discussion about the minimum wage should continue.
"Having said that, one has to point out that the minimum wage is not going to increase for everyone, but only for those who have been employed for a year with the same employer. As the Prime Minister has been quoted, this could lead to abuse from some who could invent a legal mechanism to circumvent this agreement. This agreement could be an incentive for employers to fire the workers before completing a year in employment - therefore, the minimum wage increase should be given to everyone at the beginning of their employment.
"We also feel that €8 per week over two years are not enough because this figure is too low. This increase does not guarantee a fair and decent wage. The proposed 11% over three years is conservative and this increase is not even half of what we proposed.
"Because of this, the Campaign for a Decent Minimum Wage will continue to insist that the minimum wage rises fairly and properly and that the COLA mechanism should be reviewed".
Several organisations and individuals are involved in the Campaign for a Decent Minimum Wage. The organisations participating in the Campaign are: Aditus Foundation, Alleanza Kontra l-Faqar, Caritas, Forum Bormliż, Integra Foundation, Koperattiva Kummerċ Ġust, Malta Humanist Association, Malta Microfinance, Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl, Millennium Chapel, Moviment Graffitti, Paulo Freire Institute, Peace Lab, The Critical Institute, Third World Group and Żminijietna - Voice of the Left