The Labour Party’s proposals are aimed at giving families more time together and strengthening wellbeing-focused policies, two candidates said in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul stated that the party is building on progressive measures introduced during the current legislature to improve work-life balance. He highlighted that several measures were implemented through social dialogue, including extending Urgent Family Leave from 15 hours to four working days.

 Additional measures include the introduction of Parental Leave and an increase in Paternity Leave from one day to ten days. The government also introduced 100 hours of leave for parents undergoing IVF treatment, including for self-employed individuals. Discussions are ongoing on proposals such as the Right to Disconnect, remote working arrangements, flexi-time, and compressed work sheets.

Ellul said these initiatives are the result of a strong economy and leadership that prioritises people’s wellbeing. He added that the party’s electoral manifesto focuses on improving family life and giving people more time with their loved ones.

Labour MP Rosianne Cutajar said the Labour Party is the first in Malta to present a fully costed electoral manifesto accompanies by a wellbeing index. She claimed the proposed measures aim to improve people’s quality of life by more than 25%.

Cutajar criticised the Nationalist Party, saying that when in government it reduced workers’ time with their families by the equivalent of over 60 days due to lost leave on public holidays. She noted that Labour restored these days through changes introduced in 2021, resulting in more public holidays and increased leave for workers.