The General Workers Union (GWU) is seeking the option for workers to work a 40-hour week over four days in its 2023 pre-budget proposals, which were published yesterday.

The union said that if there is an agreement between trade unions for employees and employers, then it should be considered as an option.

It also said that if the place of work operates seven days a week, then the employees would either have the option to work 10 hours a day from Monday to Thursday, or the option to work 10 hours a day from Friday to Sunday. It said that those working from Friday to Sunday will work for thirty hours and get paid for 40 hours.

Referring to the cost of living adjustment (COLA), the union said that it supports employees and pensioners because of inflation; however, said it does not impact competitiveness. Consequently, it said that the COLA mechanism should not change, but it is still open to discussions to improve the mechanism.

The GWU is proposing that the standard tax rate of 15% on overtime work should be fixed for all overtime income, and not stop after the employee received their first €10,000 from overtime work.

It further proposed that it should be mandatory for employees to be a part of a trade union of their choice - an idea which was mentioned in the Labour Party's electoral manifesto prior to the 2022 general election, and which the union has been pushing for over a number of years.

It is asking the government to introduce websites and applications that include price comparisons which will help consumers save more and will also help decrease prices which contribute to higher inflation.

It also expressed its support for the second cost of living adjustment (COLA) mechanism which will support the most vulnerable.

Regarding pensions, the GWU is proposing that there be an increase in contributory and non-contributory pensions, supplements, and social benefits.

It further proposed that moving forward, there should be an opt-out system with occupational pensions. This means that workers would be automatically enrolled into an occupational pension where a contribution will be taken from their pay. However, the worker will have the freedom to opt out.

To improve active ageing, it has submitted proposals to the Malta Chamber of Commerce where people will be allowed to remain in part-time employment even if they wish to retire early at 61 years of age.

It is also asking for the difference in pension rates based on the year of birth to be removed and the maximum pensionable income to be increased.

Finally, the GWU is proposing a complete re-establishment of vocational and training institutions to improve the quality of the workforce.