On the occasion of Worker’s Day, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech said that although the past year has been difficult in view of the Covid-19 pandemic and the varied impact it has had on workers, “we must ensure that after the pandemic, the jobs and working conditions of every person are secure and good.”
In a video posted on Facebook aimed at delivering a message to all workers in Malta and Gozo, PN Leader Grech expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all Maltese and Gozitan workers, including those who work both in the private as well as in the public sector.
Grech remarked that workers are an integral part of every enterprise and workplace, both in Malta and in Gozo. Workers are also a very important link to work and so “we must be proactive even in this area where we promote zeal and where those who are hard working are rewarded by getting what they deserve.”
The vision of the Nationalist Party for Malta is one where the worker can truly positively benefit from policies that give dignity and guaranteed work, he said.
Speaking about the Covid-19 pandemic and the varied impact it has had on many workers depending on the sector they come from, Grech said that despite the many struggles, many workers have managed to keep going.
From frontliners, manufacturing workers, those working in the hospitality and tourism industry, employees in shops, farmers, all those working in the education sector, those in the media and entertainment industry, artists, those who work in services and many others, have all been affected, one way or another.
Grech said “that not only must the employment of every worker be safeguarded but we must make sure that your aspirations are met, and your quality of life improved.”
Every worker deserves to have a balance between work and their private and family life.
It is also fundamental that workers are trained for the skills that Malta needs and that they are given the opportunity to progress in their careers through specific training. This will lead to the strengthening of workers as they are truly an essential part of the economy and society of Malta, Grech added.
He also addressed young people as he desires to provide a sea of opportunites so that after completing their studies, they can integrate into the world of work without undue delay or suffering. This also applies for those who decide not to continue with their studies but integrate into the world of work immediately.
Living in unprecedented times have clearly shown us the benefits and challenges of teleworking. In addition, these uncertain times have also had an impact on the mental health of workers.
“We need to collectively examine the challenges that workers have faced, the lessons we have learned and what can and should be done in the future. We cannot forget other important aspects in the world of work such as the health and safety of our workers.
The Nationalist Party is and will continue to work on all this and much more,” Grech said.
He explained that this determination and work is done with the aim of continuing to improve the lives of workers and at the same time ensure that our policies are not burdensome for employers. On the contrary, the party understands the importance of a good employer-employee relationship, and we strongly believe in secure and healthy industrial relationships.
“This is a very important balance for the party, and this is the policy I want to see put into practice. I want this to be the best country you can work and grow in and where we continue to strengthen together for a better Malta. Where every worker can also reach the fulfillment of his aspirations,” Grech said.