Conrad Borg Manché Sounds Alarm: Labour’s Labour Laws Lacklustre

In the heart of Valletta, at the Nationalist Party’s (PN) headquarters on South Street, a familiar face took centre stage last night. Conrad Borg Manché, the party’s work and employment spokesperson, didn’t mince his words. He accused the Labour government of failing Malta’s workers, claiming that their labour laws have become a ‘shambles’.

Labour Laws: A Tale of Two Parties

Borg Manché painted a stark contrast between the PN’s and Labour’s stances on labour laws. He reminded the audience that under the PN’s watch, Malta saw a significant improvement in workers’ rights and conditions. He pointed to the introduction of the Minimum Wage Act in 2012, which he said, “put money back into the pockets of workers”.

However, Borg Manché argued that Labour’s time in government has seen a U-turn. He criticised the government’s handling of the ’18th Schedule’ – the part of the Employment and Industrial Relations Act that governs working hours and rest periods. He claimed that Labour has watered down these regulations, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.

The ’18th Schedule’ Saga

Borg Manché delved into the specifics, alleging that the government has increased the number of hours workers can be made to work without overtime pay. He also claimed that Labour has weakened provisions for rest periods between shifts. He warned that these changes could lead to a “race to the bottom” in terms of workers’ rights and conditions.

“This is not the Malta we want,” Borg Manché asserted. “We want a Malta where workers’ rights are protected, where hard work is rewarded, and where employers and employees can thrive together.”

: A Call for Change

Borg Manché called on the government to reverse these changes and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Opposition and social partners to strengthen labour laws. He also hinted at potential PN proposals to improve workers’ rights, promising that under a PN government, “Malta’s workers will once again be our priority”.

As the event drew to a close, Borg Manché left the audience with a rallying cry: “We must stand up for our workers. We must demand better. Because Malta’s future depends on it.”