Zminijietna - Voice of the Left supports the proposal put forward by the GWU, that the cost-of-living wage adjustment are to be given every six months so that any COLA increase is more realistic and, more effectively mirrors fluctuation in prices.

The present mechanism entails that compensation for price rises is a year in arrears. The Union proposal will mean that this period is reduced to six months.

Zminijietna agrees for a revision of the formula used for the calculation of the adjustment, so that it could be more accurate. We appeal other organisations in MCESD to support this proposal and work to ensure that this reform is introduced in next budget.

Other positive proposals made by the GWU include a rise in the minimum wage and a solution to the public holidays which fall on weekends and which presently are lost. The Union has also insisted strongly that the government should take more measures to discourage 'precarious work' including inspection of workers' conditions before public contracts are awarded.

Richard Mifsud
PRO
Zminijietna - Voice of the Left