Conrad Borg Manché: Labour’s ‘Worker-First’ Mantra Rings Hollow

Valletta’s Freedom Square buzzed with an unusual energy last night. The Nationalist Party (PN) held its first public event since the pandemic, and the crowd was eager. Conrad Borg Manché, the PN’s new deputy leader, took the stage, his voice echoing through the historic square. “Labour has let down the workers,” he declared, cutting through the evening air like a knife.

From ‘Worker’s Party’ to ‘Worker’s Betrayal’?

Borg Manché’s words stung, especially for those who remember Labour’s 2017 election campaign. Back then, Labour promised to be the ‘worker’s party’, pledging to protect jobs and workers’ rights. Fast forward four years, and Borg Manché’s accusation has struck a chord with many Maltese workers.

“I voted for Labour because they said they’d protect us,” said Maria, a 55-year-old nurse from Birkirkara, who attended the event. “But look at us now. We’re working harder, for less, and with no job security.” Maria’s sentiments echo a growing discontent among Maltese workers, many of whom feel Labour’s promises have faded like the summer sun.

Wage Freeze, Job Insecurity, and the ‘Black Economy’

Borg Manché pointed to several issues plaguing Maltese workers. Top of the list is the wage freeze, a policy Labour introduced in 2017, which has seen workers’ wages stagnate despite increased productivity and a booming economy. Then there’s job insecurity, with many workers on fixed-term contracts, living in a state of perpetual uncertainty.

Borg Manché also touched on the ‘black economy’, a euphemism for the unregulated, often exploitative, sector of the Maltese economy. “Workers are being exploited, and the government is turning a blind eye,” he said. “It’s time to put an end to this.”

PN’s Proposals: A ‘Worker’s Charter’ and ‘Fair Wages’

Borg Manché didn’t just stop at criticism. He outlined the PN’s proposals for workers, including a ‘Worker’s Charter’ that would enshrine workers’ rights in law. He also promised ‘fair wages’ for all workers, pledging to scrap the wage freeze and introduce a living wage.

“We need to ensure that everyone earns enough to live with dignity,” he said. “That means a living wage, not just a minimum wage.” He also promised to tackle job insecurity, pledging to introduce legislation that would give workers more rights and protections.

Borg Manché’s speech was a stark reminder of the challenges facing Maltese workers. As the country continues to grapple with issues like wage stagnation and job insecurity, one thing is clear: the debate around workers’ rights is far from over.

As the crowd dispersed, Maria’s words echoed in my mind. “I hope they’re right,” she said, referring to the PN. “I hope they can make a difference. Because right now, it feels like no one is on our side.”