The Nationalist Party said Friday that it is taking a decisive step to ensure a better balance between work and family life for Maltese and Gozitan families, publishing a list of proposals intended to assist families lead a happier life.

As a country, we are facing increasing difficulties in achieving a healthy balance between work and family. For this reason, the PN is proposing a set of what it described as bold and necessary reforms to support workers, families, and businesses alike, the PN said..

Malta has the lowest birth rate in the EU, and many parents are struggling to cope with both work and family obligations. It is evident that the current system is failing. Research confirms that 67.6% of women and 58.6% of men find it difficult to meet their family commitments due to work demands. Women still bear the majority of childcare responsibilities, while a very small proportion of men take on the primary responsibility for their children, the PN said.

Despite these clear challenges, the government has chosen to do the bare minimum in implementing EU directives on work-family balance, leaving families without real support.

Because of this, the PN is proposing a comprehensive strategy for balancing work and family time that directly addresses these issues. These reforms include:

1.  Expansion of parental leave to give families more time together

• Paternity leave will increase from 10 to 15 days to recognise the growing role of fathers in childcare.
• Parental leave will be extended from 8 to 28 weeks, equally divided between both parents and non-transferable to promote shared responsibility.
• Maternity leave will increase from 18 to 24 weeks, with the last six weeks transferable to the other parent if they wish.
• A total of one full year of paid leave between maternity and parental leave, providing essential flexibility for families.

2.  Government-paid leave for all workers, including the self-employed

• Parental, paternity, and additional maternity leave will be fully funded by the government for all workers. In the case of parental leave, payment will be up to the level of the average salary, which is significantly higher than the current sick leave rate.
• Self-employed workers will be granted the same rights as employed workers to ensure fair treatment across all types of work.
• The government will cover these costs to reduce the financial burden on employers and businesses.

3.  Support for childcare and remote working

• Financial assistance for parents who choose to stay at home with their children during the second year after birth, equivalent to the government subsidies for childcare centres.
• Tax credits for private companies that implement remote working models to recognise the benefits of flexible work arrangements.
• Encouragement for more businesses to adopt remote working and flexible work policies to improve productivity and employee well-being.

The PN said it emphasised that these proposals are crucial for Malta's future. Families should receive the support they need to thrive, businesses should be encouraged to adopt modern work solutions, and the self-employed should not feel excluded. A balanced labour market is key to economic success and social well-being.

These reforms are not just about individual families but about Malta's long-term stability and progress, the PN said. Strong policies that ensure work-family balance lead to higher participation in the workforce, increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism. They also create an environment where parents feel secure enough to have children, helping to reverse the demographic crisis we are currently experiencing.

The PN said it is offering a clear alternative, paving the way for serious discussion on the reforms needed to take concrete action rather than settling for the bare minimum that fails to address Malta's demographic challenges.

It is time for change. Maltese and Gozitan families deserve better, the PN said.