Updated | Gender equality, equal pay for equal work and removing GWU from workers scheme on PN manifesto

A new PN government would implement the principle of equal pay for equal work, as there were many workers - including carers, cleaners and security personnel - who were still being paid less than others doing the same work, Nationalist Party leader Simon Busuttil said this morning.

"We will also make sure that the government itself lead by example by guaranteeing the same equality in the public sector," Busuttil said, addressing a press conference on Day 9 of the electoral campaign.

Busuttil said the PN would also immediately cancel the scheme under which the General Workers' Union was benefiting off the back of 600 workers. 

"The workers would go back to being administered by JobsPlus," he said. "The workers would also receive the money currently being paid to the GWU, which is earning €1.5million, so they will each in fact earn an additional €200."

The PN leader said his government will introduce a "return to work" scheme for workers who would need to leave the workplace for an extended period of time, such as medical treatments. 

"Once these workers feel they are ready to return to work, we will offer them all the support they might need, like retraining and psychological support," he said. "We will also offer incentives to employers to keep these workers on their books even while away."

Busuttil said that the PN was also proposing the introduction of a summer school for disabled children, to be supervised by a group of LSAs. 

"Parents will therefore pursue their work and interests even during the summer months, knowing trained professionals will be looking after their children."

A new PN government would launch a national plan on gender equality to ensure society tackle issues like the gender pay gap. 

"We are committing itself to ensure that at least half the members on all public boards will be women," he said. "We will also introduce an advanced programme to introduce teleworking in the public sector."

Busuttil said the PN's proposals were aimed at refocusing the country's efforts and wealth on those who needed it most, instead of serving to benefit a close few, as had happened under the Labour administration. 

"On the election, people will be deciding if politics should serve the interests of the gang at Castille or the wellbeing of the country," he said.