GWU issues its budget proposals, wants automatic enrollment of workers in unions

The General Workers’ Union (GWU) presented its proposals for the 2025 Budget, which, it said, advance its aim for a holistic national vision and plan for Malta.

The proposals prioritize citizens’ quality of life and cover various aspects concerning work and employment, governance, education, health, the environment, social issues, infrastructure, inclusion, and equality, the union said in a statement.

At a news conference at the Workers’ Memorial Building in Valletta, the Secretary General of the GWU, Josef Bugeja, and the President of the GWU, Victor Carachi, addressed the press on the proposals.

“One of the main proposals is that workers are enrolled automatically in a trade union of their choice, a measure supported by the Labour Party, and included in the 2022 Electoral Manifesto. This proposal aims to address cases of exploitation and improve job quality.”

The GWU’s proposals also cover economic growth, with a projected 4.3% growth in 2025 driven by exports, tourism, and government support for energy prices.

The union is calling for more prudent spending in public finances, to ensure that wealth creation benefits the most vulnerable and is distributed equitably, it said.

Additionally, the GWU supports the continuation of subsidies on energy and fuel prices, as well as the Stabbilità fil-Prezzijiet scheme to continue stabilising food prices, it said.

In response to the changing nature of work, the GWU has proposed revisions to labour laws to better protect remote and flexible workers, as well as advocating for double pay for working on Sundays and public holidays.

The union also emphasised the need for mental health first-aiders in every workplace and called for improvements in work-life balance through increased parental leave pay.

Other proposals include increasing pensions, supporting greener investments, stricter emission standards, subsidies for electric vehicles, and more green spaces.

The GWU also advocated for the extension of the Equity Sharing Scheme for low-income individuals, and increased funding for social housing to address rising housing costs.

The proposals also address the areas of sustainability, the environment, enforcement, the Green Economy, roadworks planning, investment in essential infrastructure, youth, education, vocational training, internships, grants for healthier living, and increased support for the disabled and visually impaired.

Additionally, the GWU emphasises the need for investment in infrastructure in Gozo, including roads and parking facilities.

These proposals have been presented to the Maltese Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) in recent weeks, it said.