[WATCH] Busuttil calls for higher salaries and better work conditions

On Worker' Day, Opposition leader warns that the wealth that is being created isn't getting distributed justly. 

PN leader calls for higher salaries, better work conditions

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil called for wages to be increased and work conditions to be improved.

“There are still too many workers earning low workers or working in precarious jobs,” Busuttil said in a statement to mark Workers’ Day and the anniversary of Malta’s EU accession. “They too should be reaping the fruit of the wealth that is being created.”

He said that several doors have been opened for workers in the past 11 years, such as in the gaming, financial services and aviation sections.

"Opening up new sectors is great as they create more jobs and wealth," Busuttil said. "However, we must ensure that everyone enjoys the wealth that is being created, particularly through higher salaries and better work conditions."

He said that that the average salary had increased at an annual rate of €500 under the previous Nationalist administration, compared with under €200 under the current Labour government.

“The people’s cost of living adjustment only increased by 58c in this year’s budget, the lowest rise in the past 30 years,” Busuttil said. “This isn’t a fair distribution of wealth. People earning low wages should enjoy a greater share of the wealth that is being created.”

He added that he is committed to ensuring “proper wages for workers in a high-quality economy and a just society.”