The General Workers' Union (GWU) on Tuesday presented its proposals for Malta's 2026 Budget under the theme "Towards a Fairer, More Equitable, and Inclusive Malta."
The union emphasised that economic growth must be matched with social justice and the well-being of workers, as true progress cannot exist without dignity and fairness. GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja stated that while Malta's economy has remained resilient, many families still struggle with the rising cost of living. The proposals therefore focus on people rather than statistics, envisioning a modern, fair world of work where every worker is valued.
The GWU is calling for comprehensive reforms to employment and industrial relations laws, including an equal minimum wage from age 16, double pay for work on Sundays and public holidays, and automatic membership in a trade union of a worker's choice. It also advocates for the implementation of the Pay Transparency and Minimum Wage Directives, and a right of return to work for employees whose contracts are not renewed.
Among its most progressive ideas is a pilot project for a 32-hour working week without loss of pay, designed to balance productivity with worker well-being. The union stresses that this change must be carefully studied to assess its impact on efficiency and competitiveness.
Pensioners and vulnerable families are a key focus of the GWU's vision for a fairer society. It proposes increases in both contributory and non-contributory pensions, with larger increments for those over 80, and suggests mentoring roles for seniors aged 61 to 64, enabling them to work part-time while receiving their pensions. These measures aim to ensure that experience and knowledge continue to benefit workplaces. The GWU also calls for stronger enforcement against employers who fail to pay social security contributions.
In the area of health, the union proposes investment in primary care and the establishment of community medical centres, particularly in industrial zones. It recommends introducing mental health first aid responders in every workplace, annual mental health check-ups as part of standard care, and increased funding for mental health services, particularly for vulnerable and LGBTIQ+ youth.
To foster skills and lifelong learning, the GWU suggests paid apprenticeship programs, inclusion of information on workers' rights in the national curriculum, and the creation of Individual Learning Accounts that provide paid leave for education. It also supports initiatives for youth entrepreneurship and investment in vocational and technical courses.
The union highlights environmental sustainability and quality of life, proposing stricter regulations on noise and air pollution, car-free zones, and incentives for green energy. It calls for improved traffic management, expanded social housing, and more affordable accommodation. Specific initiatives for Gozo include enhanced educational opportunities, investment in the Gozo Hospital, and promoting Gozo as a cultural destination.
Finally, the GWU stresses the importance of civic discipline and social responsibility, urging action against noise, littering, and public disorder while promoting mutual respect and civic education. It calls for fair enforcement of laws and a renewed culture of responsibility.
Bugeja concluded that these proposals are practical and sustainable, designed to ensure that Malta's progress is measured by how well it supports its workers, families, and vulnerable communities. The GWU envisions a society where economic growth and social justice move forward together.