ADPD has called for the protection of vulnerable workers.

In a statement on Workers' Day, it said that the day "should remind us of our obligations to protect all workers, particularly the most vulnerable among them."

"Workers' Day is not about the triumphalism of mass meetings, but for reflection on the rights of workers, especially the weakest ones." This was the main message shared by speakers for ADPD - the Green Party when they met with a number of drivers at the bus terminus in Valletta this morning.

ADPD Deputy Secretary General Mario Mallia said that they were there to greet workers who provide service in public transport. "These workers provide an essential service for a country, a service that offers solutions to one of the biggest problems that has plagued our country: traffic. Through their work, these workers keep thousands of cars from our roads every day, having a positive impact not only on the volume of traffic but also on the quality of the air and the health of our children."

"We wanted to greet these workers, who in recent weeks have been victims of physical and verbal violence against them. ADPD would like to commemorate this day to show solidarity with these workers, while fully supporting any changes in the law so that these workers, in view of the public service they provide, are given the protection that they deserve."

"ADPD also demands that the health and safety of workers and passengers using public transport is guaranteed. After the recent allegations regarding the compromises being made on the safety of the buses, ADPD asks the company that runs the service, as well as Transport Malta and the ministry of transport, to give peace of mind as befits the drivers as well as the workers who use the service," concluded Mallia.

ADPD Chairperson ADPD Sandra Gauci said that Worker's Day "should remind us of our obligations to take care of all workers, particularly the most vulnerable.  It is no coincidence that a number of incidents involving violence have occurred against non-Maltese workers who are providing service in our country. ADPD feels that this is an ugly symptom of racism that sometimes rears its head. This is a shame for a country that considers itself as a welcoming country." ADPD encouraged everyone to show respect for human dignity regardless of whether the workers are Maltese or not. "Workers remain workers, regardless of nationality, skin colour, and belief."

"ADPD would also like to salute so many other vulnerable workers, most of them who were not Maltese, who like Jean Paul Sofia ended up victims of the construction industry. ADPD will not let it be forgotten that these deaths did not happen by chance. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA), which has as many directors as it has inspectors, is indicative of a government which has its priorities all wrong, especially with so many workers paying with their lives. Every day that goes by without this industry's rules being taken seriously increases the likelihood of another terrible death. We have had enough of crocodile tears," Gauci claimed.

She said that on this day dedicated to workers, "we would also like to greet the many workers who suffer injustices at their workplace, those who suffer harassment, as well as those who are being exploited with low wages and bad conditions so that the few can fatten their pockets. A modern democratic country cannot boast of an increase in wealth if this wealth is being generated off the backs of exploited workers."

Lastly, ADPD praised workplaces that provide their employees with a respectable work environment. "I especially applaud the Maltese cooperatives, which provide a democratic and participatory work environment," concluded Gauci.