Conrad Borg Manché: Labour’s Workers’ Woes

As the sun dipped below the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, a crowd gathered at the PN headquarters on Melita Street, eager to hear the party’s first words on workers’ rights. Conrad Borg Manché, the Nationalist Party’s spokesperson on employment and industrial relations, didn’t mince his words. “Labour has let down the workers,” he declared, setting the tone for the evening.

Labour’s Legacy: A Worker’s Perspective

Borg Manché painted a grim picture of the past seven years under Labour. He cited the government’s failure to address the low wage issue, the lack of job security, and the increasing cost of living. “Workers are struggling,” he said, “and yet, we see no real effort from this government to improve their lot.” He pointed to the recent protests by workers in various sectors, including healthcare and education, as evidence of this struggle.

Borg Manché also criticized the government’s handling of the pandemic, arguing that it had not done enough to protect jobs or support businesses. “We’ve seen businesses close, jobs lost, and yet, the government seems more interested in spin than substance,” he said, drawing nods of agreement from the audience.

PN’s Proposals: A Beacon of Hope?

But Borg Manché wasn’t all doom and gloom. He outlined the PN’s proposals for improving workers’ rights and conditions. These included a living wage that reflects the true cost of living in Malta, stronger job protection laws, and better support for businesses to create more jobs. He also proposed a national strategy for lifelong learning to help workers adapt to the changing job market.

Borg Manché also touched on the PN’s plans for better work-life balance, including more flexible working hours and the right to disconnect. “Workers deserve a life outside of work,” he said, “and yet, this government seems to think that the answer to everything is to work harder, not smarter.”

: A Call to Action

Borg Manché ended his speech with a call to action. “We need to stand up for workers’ rights,” he said, “because if we don’t, who will? We need to send a clear message to this government that enough is enough. It’s time for change.” The crowd responded with applause and cheers, ready to take up the fight.

As the event wound down, attendees lingered, discussing the evening’s themes over coffee and pastizzi. The mood was hopeful, despite the challenges ahead. One attendee, a nurse from Msida, summed it up: “We’ve had enough of empty promises. It’s time for real change, and I believe the PN can deliver it.”