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Activists Demand Improvements In Malta’s Work-Life Balance Law

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Local activists and a number of civil societies have called for well-needed improvements to the Work-Life balance law, demanding that it is revised and made adequate.

The demands were made by Moviment Graffitti and were endorsed by Aditus, Malta Women’s Lobby, the Maltese Daddy father’s lobby, MGRM, National Parents Society of Persons with Disability (NPSPD), and Women’s Right Foundation.

The law came into effect in August 2022, as a result of the European Union’s effort to improve work-life balance for parents and carers, encourage men and women to share parenting or caring responsibilities more equally and increase participation of women in the labour market.

Following the law coming into effect, each country was required to implement legislation in line with the EU’s Directive.

“We are disappointed that, during the three years from the Directive’s approval in 2019, the government has not even bothered to consult with civil society,” civil societies said during a press conference.

“The Legal Notice was never issued for public consultation and when the August deadline came, the Government only made the least possible changes in the law, as stipulated by the Directive.”

“Consequently, we are asking that the law be improved – in consultation with civil society and relevant experts – in five areas:

1. Better remuneration of Parental Leave: Currently, parents get two months of Parental Leave at sick pay level; €21.85 a day. Expecting parents to subsist on this pay when family costs shoot up and the current cost of living rises is unrealistic. This rate needs to be improved drastically.

2. Remuneration for Carers’ Leave: Currently, carers get five days of unpaid Caring Leave yearly. The idea that care should be provided for free perpetuates the charity model toward disability and those in need of care. Moreover, not everyone will afford to take up this leave with the current increase in the cost of living. Carers’ Leave should be paid in full.

3. Longer and more flexible Parental Leave: Fathers have access to 10 days of paid Paternal Leave. They also have access to two months of Parental Leave at the sick pay level and another two unpaid months of Parental Leave, which they need to split and share with their partner. It is often the case that the mother ends up taking this Leave. We want to see a longer period of Parental Leave at full pay to truly encourage and enable parents to share caring responsibilities.

4. Better guidelines for Flexible Work Arrangements, extension to all: Working parents have a right to request Flexible Work. What will happen if the employer refuses to offer flexibility? Who will decide if the request is fair or not?   And why restrict it only to parents of children who are eight years old?  All workers need flexibility and this restriction will create an ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality which will put those requesting Flexible Work Arrangements in a bad light.”

The organisations had also sent a letter to MP Dr Andy Ellul in August expressing their concerns.

In his reply, Dr Ellul disagreed with all the points raised but said that the Government intends to build on measures such as these to improve quality of life.

“The organisations are demanding that he put words to action sooner rather than later. Our families deserve better,” the activists said.

What do you make of these demands? 

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Sasha is a writer, creator, and podcast host interested in environmental matters, humans, and art. Some know her as Sasha tas-Sigar. Inspired by nature and the changing world. Follow her on Instagram at @saaxhaa and send her your stories at [email protected]

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