Opposition calls for effective budget measures against precarious work

The Opposition today urged government to take immediate action to stop the alleged abuse of Asian workers at Leisure Clothing and asked what measures will be announced in the 2015 Budget to address precarious employment.

Nationalist MP Claudette Buttigieg described the Leisure Clothing case as "shocking" and underlined that this was not an isolated case.

"We are not highlighting this case because of the company's Chinese ownership but because authorities must address all forms of illegalities. The PN is adamantly opposed to slavery and human trafficking,” Buttigieg said.

She added that trade unions and civil society should also unite in the fight against the exploitation of workers.

The MP said strict vigilance was needed to avoid abuse of vulnerable people, especially women, in the issuing of visas to third country nationals.

Fellow MP Stephen Spiteri said precarious employment is present across the board, including the exploitation of vulnerable people and irregular working conditions.

"We want to know what government will do to address the situation at Leisure Clothing and what measures it will implement in the forthcoming budget to eliminate precarious employment," Spiteri said.

Asked what the Opposition was proposing to address precarious employment in the private sector, Spiteri said "this could be tacked by introducing a Legal Notice which would guarantee the protection to anyone reporting abusive practices."