Prime Minister Robert Abela held a pre-Budget consultation meeting with UĦM representatives, during which various themes related to the quality of life of workers were discussed.
Dr Abela said that the Government remains committed to ensuring that economic growth continues to be felt in the quality of life of the people. In this context, he maintained that our country needs to continue to address the challenges that progress brings and work to turn these challenges into opportunities. Among these, he mentioned mobility. Through the Malta in Motion plan, the Government is working on a more integrated transport system that combines walking and cycling, ferries, parking management, public transport and, in the longer term, a Rapid Transit system. This is already being translated into concrete measures, including a new Fast Ferry service between Sliema, Buġibba and Gozo, as well as new circular routes for the Tallinja service.
The Prime Minister also spoke about remote working, flexibility and a better work-life balance. He said that these are topics that the Government must continue to discuss with the social partners, including the right of workers to request flexible arrangements such as remote working, flexi-time, compressed weeks, reduced hours or part-time work, always according to the nature of the work and the needs of the operation.
Dr Abela stated that meetings such as these are important because they lead to the creation of concrete proposals that can be translated into policies that make a real difference in people’s lives.
The Prime Minister thanked the UĦM representatives for the open and constructive dialogue they have maintained throughout the year. He stated that industrial peace is fundamental for our country to continue making economic and social progress.
Also participating in the meeting were Ministers Miriam Dalli, Clyde Caruana and Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Deputies John Grech, Clint Azzopardi Flores and Francesca Zarb, as well as the Head of the Secretariat of the Office of the Prime Minister Mark Mallia.
