The 2027 Budget will be announced by the government tomorrow. In the past weeks, the major trade unions have issued their proposals for consideration, with employment featured in the majority of proposals. Forum Unions Maltin, the confederation of trade unions issued 20 proposals and held separate meetings with the government and the Opposition to outline its wish list. The Malta Union of Teachers is one of the unions affiliated in the confederation. The following is an overview of a selection of proposals of For.U.M. and the reasoning behind them.

The confederation renewed its proposal for the working week reduction without loss of pay. Whilst productivity lies at the centre of decisions affecting working week duration, the current 40-hour week model has been in place for a century and requires rethinking. An independent study needs to be undertaken about the effects of a reduction in the working week by looking also at models which are working in other European countries.

Closely related to it are family-friendly provisions, some of which are in place whilst other may require rethinking. The use of remote working, flexitime and their extensions to different occupations is one of the means to aid employees and families in juggling between work and family commitments.

The right to disconnect which has been advocated by For.U.M. for more than a decade is still not recognised locally whilst we have an increased number of employees who have to be 'connected' to their workplace in their free time. The confederation list the psychosocial risks and mental wellbeing as the main priorities which need to be addressed and a rethinking of the work culture is necessary to protect employees and families.

Youth joining the workforce must be supported with tax incentives to assist them in getting into the world of work, whilst supporting them in their future family plans during a period where financial constraints are most felt. Upskilling and reskilling is central in a world of work which is evolving. Increased incentives must be provided to employees to undertake training, leading to improved skills and correspondingly to improved work practices.

Closely related to the need to improve skills and to address skills gaps are paid study leave schemes which need to be introduced or improved to increase the uptake of employees. The confederation is also supporting the idea to have a fund allocated to each individual, and which can be used to pursue further qualifications.

The Maltese workforce is currently losing the services of valuable employees who choose to retire upon reaching the age of 61 and cannot engage in employment until the statutory retirement age of 65. This unemployment gap is effectively blocking retired employees from engaging in active employment. Following this unemployment gap, by the age of 65, few would consider a return to employment.

The confederation is proposing that retired persons between the age of 61 and 65 are allowed to engage in employment, even for limited hours per week. The capping of pensions is also on the agenda of For.U.M. which is calling for a study about the current model with the view of its expansion beyond the currently small and privileged section of employees.

The confederation concludes its proposals with a list of measures that aid industrial relations, the roles of trade unions and legislative mechanisms. These include the requested reform of the Industrial Tribunal to reduce the length of proceedings and to facilitate processes and transparency. The confederation lists the contribution of free-riders towards a fund used by negotiating unions, a requested discussion about the EU directive on the increase of collective bargaining coverage, and the recognition of confederations through legislation as the measures to improve industrial relations.  

Despite the early issue of budget proposals by the confederation and their presentations, most of this wish list if not all will not be found in this year's budget document. An employee-centred budget requires the uptake of feedback of employee representatives. Nonetheless, we will not shy away and shall continue to push for an employee-centred national agenda.

Marco Bonnici is president of the Malta Union of Teachers