Conrad Borg Manché: Labour’s Workers’ Woes in Malta

As the sun dipped below the Grandmaster’s Palace, a crowd gathered at the Republic Square, not for the usual tourist snap, but to hear the Nationalist Party’s (PN) first words on workers’ rights. Conrad Borg Manché, PN’s spokesperson on employment, stood under the statue of Queen Victoria, his voice echoing the sentiments of many Maltese workers.

Labour’s Promises vs Reality

Borg Manché didn’t mince his words. “Labour promised a better deal for workers,” he said, “but five years on, we’re seeing the opposite.” He pointed to the increasing cost of living, stagnant wages, and the government’s failure to address precarious work. “Instead of protecting workers, they’ve made it harder for them to make ends meet,” he added.

Borg Manché cited the recent minimum wage increase as a case in point. “It’s a drop in the ocean,” he said, “especially when you consider the soaring cost of utilities and rent.” He argued that Labour had failed to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, instead relying on piecemeal solutions.

PN’s Proposed Solutions

Borg Manché outlined PN’s proposed solutions, including a living wage tied to the cost of living, stronger protections for precarious workers, and better enforcement of labour laws. He also promised a review of the tax system to ensure fairness and progressivity.

“We need a government that stands up for workers, not one that takes them for granted,” he said. “That means listening to their concerns, acting on their behalf, and ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at a decent life.”

Reactions from the Ground

Among the crowd was Maria, a single mother from Birkirkara. She works two jobs but still struggles to make ends meet. “I’m tired of hearing promises,” she said, “I want action. I want to know that my kids will have a better future.” Her sentiments were echoed by many in the crowd.

But not everyone was convinced. John, a Labour supporter from Żabbar, argued that Labour had made significant strides in improving workers’ rights. “We’ve seen the minimum wage increase, better maternity leave, and more protections for workers,” he said. “I think Labour is doing a good job, and I’ll be voting for them again.”

As the event wound down, Borg Manché left the crowd with a rallying cry. “We need to stand together,” he said, “workers, employers, and government. We need to build a fairer, more just Malta. A Malta where no one is left behind. Join us, because together, we can make a difference.”