The General Workers' Union (GWU) has presented its proposals for Budget 2027, calling for Malta's economic success to translate into higher living standards, stronger rights, quality employment and sustainable public services for all.

GWU Secretary General Kevin Camilleri said: "The Budget should be judged on how far it moves Malta towards a higher-value, higher-wage economy that is socially and environmentally sustainable."

"In our proposals for Budget 2027, we are focusing on measures that make a tangible difference in the lives of workers and their families. Our objective is clear: economic progress must translate into decent working conditions, greater security and higher living standards," he added.

Among its key priorities, the GWU is proposing that support for electricity, fuel, grain and essential food prices be maintained, while the Stabbiltà fil-Prezzijiet scheme should be renewed, strengthened and effectively enforced.

At the same time, a fairer mechanism should be explored whereby those on lower incomes and those who use energy responsibly can benefit more. Compensation or incentives should also be considered for those who generate their own energy and therefore do not depend, or depend less, on the national grid, while encouraging more responsible and sustainable energy use.

The Union is also proposing a reform of the COLA mechanism so that it is paid twice a year, in June and December, while remaining tax-free. At the same time, additional support should be strengthened for families most affected by the rising cost of living.

Another proposal is the establishment of a Living Income benchmark that reflects today's actual costs, including housing, healthcare, technology and everyday needs.

The proposals also include improvements to contributory and non-contributory pensions, solutions to existing pension anomalies and the establishment of a National Social Fund for individuals and families facing long-term financial hardship.

In the field of employment, the GWU is proposing a pilot project on a 32-hour working week, accompanied by a proper study and research. It is also calling for a nationwide right to disconnect, additional family-friendly measures and greater access to hybrid working arrangements.

The GWU is also proposing an equal minimum wage from the age of 16, fair additional pay for work carried out on Sundays and public holidays across all sectors, as well as continuation of the modernisation of the Work Regulation Orders.

Skills development should become a workers' right through Individual Learning Accounts, paid apprenticeships and certified vocational pathways, while unpaid internships and traineeships should be prohibited.

On Artificial Intelligence, the GWU is calling for a worker-centred strong legal framework that guarantees prior consultation, transparency in automated decision-making and collective bargaining over the use of algorithmic systems in workforce management.

In the area of housing, the Union is proposing faster investment in social and affordable housing, more effective use of vacant properties and fairer access to assistance for first-time homebuyers.

The proposals also include further investment in healthcare services, mental health and workplace prevention, as well as a National Active Ageing and Employment Programme supporting lifelong learning and the participation of older people in the labour market. The GWU is also calling for the necessary investment in the Gozo General Hospital.

Other priorities include better public transport, sustainable mobility and safer infrastructure, together with the implementation of the Tourism Skills Passport and a comprehensive Seafarers' Charter.

The GWU is also calling for stronger labour and occupational health and safety inspections, with particular attention to high-risk sectors and exposure to extreme temperatures.

The proposals also address reform of the immigration appeals process, including a statutory period of no more than 12 months for appeals to be decided, as well as reform of the Industrial Tribunal to ensure that workers have timely and affordable access to justice.

The GWU said that long-term social commitments should be financed through stronger enforcement and compliance, together with fair revenue measures, rather than through restrictions on workers or essential services.

"Budget 2027 should protect families' purchasing power, reward work fairly, strengthen public services and move Malta towards a more productive, sustainable and socially just economic model," Camilleri concluded.