The Communist Party of Malta agrees with the Caritas report on poverty, which revealed that in reality families on a minimum wage income are living beneath the poverty line. These families are finding it difficult to pay for the basic necessities.

The government has the responsibility to ensure that families on a minimum wage income enjoy a decent standard of living and should accept and implement the Caritas proposal for an increase in the national minimum wage.

In a capitalist system, the workers are the ones that generate profit and surplus value, and so workers should be treated with dignity. Any opposition against an increase in the minimum wage will result in more flagrant exploitation, as workers will have to work more hours to make ends meet. 

The Malta Employers’ Association should not obstruct the Caritas proposal. Workers on a minimum wage income are mostly employed in precarious jobs, and so a revision in the national minimum wage should be a priority.

■ Victor Degiovanni

Secretary

Communist Party of Malta