Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/797847
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 12 MARCH 2017 2 MATTHEW AGIUS THE Campaign for Decent Minimum Wage yesterday launched its Decent Wages Tour at the tour's first stop – Val- letta. Organisations and individuals from 16 NGOs involved in the campaign will be visiting several localities and workplaces around Malta to explain and discuss their proposal for a raise in the minimum wage – an 11% increase spread over three years, through a 3.5% increase per year. Through this proposal, people who are presently on the minimum wage will be receiving, in three years' time, an additional €80 monthly over and above cost of living (COLA) increases. According to Eurofund calculations, Malta is one of only four EU countries where the value of the minimum wage taken in the context of changing price levels, has decreased over the past seven years. Eurostat figures released in Febru- ary 2017 also show Malta is one of seven countries with a minimum wage that is less than 50% of the country's median income. Charles Miceli from Alleanza Kontra l- Faqar told reporters he hoped to see wag- es, which had decreased due to inflation and a rise in rentals in the last few years. The raising of the minimum wage would not have a ripple effect on the economy, the NGOs said, because it would not affect higher salary brackets. "Some have claimed that an increase in the minimum wage would create upward pressure on other wages, something the economy cannot sustain. A raise in the minimum wage will create pressure on other low wages to increase. We consider this as a necessary and desirable effect of raising the minimum wage since many people are working on low wages that are only slightly higher than the minimum wage," the NGOs said in a statement. But the €80 increase on the minimum wage will not create upward pressure in high income brackets, constituting only an extremely small percentage of a high wage. The organisations also called on the government to review the Wage Regula- tions Order, which set minimum wages in different sectors, so that any potential increase happens in a controlled manner. The speakers stressed that their pro- posals are aimed at helping the "working poor" not eradicating poverty. Economic growth and record numbers of people in employment had given Malta an oppor- tunity to increase the minimum wage, they said. However, this increase should not be in the form of an allowance or benefit as this would not be reflected in pensions, they said. "The scheme should be subsidised by those who are reaping profits, not the government," added Graffitti representa- tive Erica Schembri. "Arguments stating that the Maltese economy cannot sustain such a minimal increase in the minimum wage contrast sharply with assertions about Malta's strong economic performance. A truly strong economy won't face major chal- lenges because of an increase in its very low statutory minimum wage." The NGOs said that raising the mini- mum wage would allow a decrease in worker turnover and more circulation of money in the economy. "Our pro- posal includes suggestions about fiscal measures and government interventions that would help those enterprises that might struggle if the minimum wage is increased." "This small increase won't make the minimum wage a fair wage. However it will be an important step towards more fairness," the NGOs said. The participating organisations: Aditus Foundation, Alleanza Kontra l-Faqar, Caritas, Forum Bomliz, Integra Founda- tion, Kooperattie Kummerc Gust, Malta Humanist Association, Malta Micro- finance, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, Mil- lennium Chapel, Moviment Graffitti, Paulo Freire Institute, Peace Lab, The Critical Institute, Third World Group and Zminijietna – Voice of the Left, have also launched a website, www.pagamini- ma.org detailing their proposal. MATTHEW AGIUS WOMEN of all ages and from all walks of life, as well as men and children, yesterday rallied behind the call 'Women For Change' in Valletta. Some 250 attendees led a march along Republic Street, wearing purple feather boas, carrying placards, blowing whistles and chanting "Equality Now". It was perhaps one of the first, if not the first, impor- tant feminist manifestation in Malta. The crowd gathered in St George's Square where, af- ter being warmed up by a number of musical acts, they were addressed by a number of speakers who gave ac- counts of their personal struggles with gender inequal- ity. "It's about celebrating all women, irrespective of cul- ture, beliefs and race," lawyer Lara Dimitrijevic from the Women's Rights Foundation in Malta told Mal- taToday before the march. Dimitrijevic recently led a successful judicial protest and campaign to license the morning-after pill in Malta. The President of the Republic, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca addressed the crowd just before 6pm. "It is a privilege to be here," said the President, who recalled her time at the Polytechnic as one of only two female students attending, together with Prof. Angela Abela. "I realised that if I wanted things to change, I would have to become active in politics. There was only one role model at the time, Agatha Barbara. I be- lieve that it is still important for women to be active in A call to a News Minimum wage campaign hits the road Charles Miceli said a rise in the minimum wage will not create a ripple effect A major manifestation for gender equality yesterday marked a milestone in Malta's feminist history as women took the lead in setting the agenda