Prime Minister says ‘government is open to national discussion on minimum wage’
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the government is open to a national discussion on the possible increase of the minimum wage. “We are able to carry out these discussions, because for the first time in many years, there are less than 4,000 people who are unemployed.”
Speaking at the Labour Party National Congress in Gozo yesterday, Dr Muscat emphasised the importance of credit rating agencies and said that agencies such as Moody’s, serve as “the Trip Advisor” for a country’s economy. He said that these agencies help gauge the country’s economic performance. Dr Muscat said that these, in return, attract even more investment in Malta. “That is why these ratings will affect our families as well. More investment means bigger tax contribution and this reflects in better social services.”
A Moody’s report published this week showed that Malta’s economy is set to grow by four per cent this year.
Dr Muscat told those present that on Tuesday, that Caritas will be giving a presentation before the House of Representatives on the poverty situation in Malta. He said that the government has to provide further help to those who genuinely cannot find a job. As for employment for persons with disability, Dr Muscat said the social benefits for those persons with disability should be equivalent to the country’s minimum wage.
The Prime Minister said that the discussion on the possibility of building a tunnel which connects the two islands should go on. However, he said that the government is still working on the option to have a fast ferry service between Malta and Gozo.
On Gozo’s Hospital project, Dr Muscat reiterated that this will be an even better hospital than the one in Malta. “This project will also include two initiatives which will change the face of Gozo.”
He spoke about the medical school, a project which will help create more work for the winter months in Gozo. He also mentioned the medical tourism idea as presented by Minister for Health Chris Fearne. “I am sure that the trend will change. The flow between the two islands will not stop. But it will change so that Maltese would be interested in investing and working in Gozo.”
He mentioned several investments which were announced in the past weeks, including the €5 million by Methode Electronics. Dr Muscat also said that Malta has the fourth lowest utility bills in European Union Member States. The Prime Minister said that these investments are coming because this government has a very clear plan.
On the price of fuel, Joseph Muscat said that if he had to listen to what the Opposition is saying, he should increase the price of fuel. This is because this week, international oil price saw an increase after several months.
The National Labour Party Congress in Gozo kicked off with a short speech by the three contenders for the Deputy Leadership of the Labour Party who spoke before Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
We are able to carry out these discussions, because for the first time in many years, there are less than 4,000 people who are unemployed