Momentum calls for 60% increase in minimum wage

Momentum proposed to raise Malta’s minimum wage by over 60%, explaining that the current minimum wage of €221.78 per week falls short of what any person needs to live decently.

Mark Camilleri Gambin, Momentum’s candidate in the 3 and 11 districts pointed out that 95,000 people in Malta are still at risk of poverty. 

“That is the result of decisions taken, and not taken, by the same two parties that will stand on a stage on Friday and tell workers they matter,” Camilleri Gambin said.

Referencing research by Caritas, which estimated a decent living wage to be at €368 per week, Momentum pledged to ensure that no full-time workers are forced into poverty by immediately increasing minimum wage to €360 per week. 

In a statement released on Friday, Momentum called out Malta’s economic model for tipping the scales too far in favour of developers, leaving many workers behind.

Momentum said they aim to restore balance in parliament by advocating for policies which guarantee that prosperity is shared by those “who build the economy, not just those who build the skyline”.

They added that the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) remains under-resourced and without the teeth needed to hold employers to account. 

“Workers rights mean nothing if nobody enforces them,” they asserted. “Momentum will work to change that.”

The party also pledged to introduce more flexible working arrangements, which allow for stronger parental leave provisions and workplace policies that make it possible to build a career and raise a family at the same time, insisting that no worker should have to sacrifice their family life to hold down a job.

They explained that across Malta, care workers, security guards, and secretaries employed through agencies earn less than state employees doing the exact same job. 

“This two-tier system is unjust, and in compliance with EU directives, Momentum will act to end it,” Camilleri Gambin said. “The same work must mean the same pay, regardless of who signs the contract.”

“Workers have heard the promises,” Camilleri Gambin said. “What they have not seen is real action.” 

Camilleri Gambin added that in this election, people have a real choice to either vote for the parties that have had decades to fix such issues and have not, or to vote for a party that exists because those problems were never solved.

He said on 30 May, people have a chance to vote for "real change".