Zminijietna – Voice of the Left supports the initiative taken by the GWU to campaign for legislation against precariousness. It’s encouraging that the government has introduced a number of mandatory conditions in a bid to clamp down on contracts promoting abusive work practices. It is also welcome that such issues are being discussed in MCESD.

The legislation against precariousness should include a clear definition of what is precarious employment. The ILO stand against precariousness recommends that the minimum wage should be enough for workers to support their household. Workers should have the right for basic social security protection and contractual stability (indefinite contracts), protection from unjustified termination of employment, effective access to freedom of association, and collective bargaining.

These are precisely the rights and protections that many workers are losing today, due to neo liberal policies. The ILO - Decent Work Agenda draws a useful conceptual framework for describing and understanding precarious work, and placing limits on the types of employment practices that create precariousness.

The Government should also introduce legislation for an increase in the minimum wage. This would improve the quality of life of low-income earners, and would encourage more people to seek employment. Family–friendly measures such as universal and free childcare centres should be immediately introduced”.

The shift in the labour market should aim for decent, regular jobs, and not unstable, precarious employment.

Richard Mifsud

PRO

Zminijietna – Voice of the Left