GWU satisfied with measures against precarious work

The General Workers’ Union expressed satisfaction at having a number of proposals included in the 2015 Budget, especially the measures addressing precarious work.

The union said that the budget incentivised work, including measures encouraging the employment of women and persons with disability.

“The budget therefore offered something for all workers, from low income earners to the middle class and the most vulnerable people such as pensioners and people on social benefits.”

The GWU also noted that a number of measures compensated for the meager COLA adjustment of 58c without piling pressure on other economic sectors.

Moreover, the union said that the sustainable growth targets and the 1.6% deficit target create a feel-good factor which should incentivise more investment and stability.

The reduction in fuel and energy prices, the union said, should also lead to better working conditions.

“While the 2015 Budget offers more opportunities to whoever genuinely wants to enter employment, it also addresses abuse of the welfare system. The GWU is therefore satisfied with government’s efforts to create a just society which respects honest citizens and does not deny anyone a decent standard of living.”

The GWU however shed doubt on what it described as increases in certain services and products which could impact the cost of living.