Reactions from stakeholders and unions
Budget makes no reference to serious problems of the education sector − MUT
The Malta Union of Teachers said that the Budget is merely a continuation of the work done by government in the education sector but made “no reference to the serious problems” facing the sector.
In its initial reaction following the Budget, the union noted positive measures in the My Journey initiative, the strengthening of teaching foreign languages and the studying of the link between secondary and postsecondary education.
The mention of pedagogical training for educators and the free payment of Matsec examinations was also a positive step.
However, the MUT expressed its dismay that the Budget failed to address the current shortage in the teaching sector.
“The Budget does not make any investment so children choose the educators profession and there is no reference to the assistance needed for non-state schools to continue providing a good service,” the MUT said, also noting its disappointment with the lack of measures ensuring better security at schools.
“The MUT hopes that there will be answers to these problems.”
‘A reflection of economic success’ – GWU
The General Workers Union hailed the measures in the 2019 Budget as a “reflection of economic success”.
It continued by explaining that this is the “social justice” kind of politics that allows an ever-growing economy to reach the citizen − measures that “leave more money in the pockets of the people.”
“The increase in pensions, strengthening of social benefits, increased benefits for the disabled, the increase in children’s’ allowance, extending the measure of public transport for students, the work-benefit for the disciplined forces, the extension of schemes for those who buy their first and second home, as well as measures designed to increase the amount of jobs in Gozo are all evidence of this economic expansion.”
The measures that are to be implemented are “in line with the requests” of the GWU, particular those that have to do with social housing and the rental market, which will serve as safeguards for those who rent. They are also satisfied that government has, once again, kept its word and have not only added another leave day, but has also allocated finances to repair past injustices to former dockers and police force members.
“It is also encouraging that government is seeking further investment opportunities to ensure a level of high-quality life even in the future, despite gaining economic and financial success.”
The Union also applauded advances in the digital sector with regards to the creation of TechMT and the creation of a development centre for eSports.
“The GWU therefore says that this was a positive Budget that considers the developments taking place in our country. While watching today’s needs, it strengthens the foundations for the future. Year after year government is successful in reducing the impact on the national debt to gross domestic product.”
Budget addresses pockets of society, lacks long-term vision UHM
UHM – Voice of the Workers said the Budget addresses certain pockets of society but lacks longterm economic vision.
It noted several positive measures, such as the pensions increase, the COLA, the additional day of leave, free Matsec exams and free cancer medicine.
The Union, however, said it was disappointed because a number of proposals it had put forward were not included in the Budget.
The Union had called for protection for workers’ salaries, adding that nothing was being done to improve the quality of jobs and income.
It also said it was against the Home Equity Release, because pensioners would have to sell their home to make up for a lack of pension money.
The Union said the €400m surplus was positive but said it would have expected the wealth to be distributed more equally.