At a press conference with the theme the Malta that we want for our children, Minister Carmelo Abela explained what was announced in the budget for the year 2022, in particular with reference to social dialogue, public broadcasting, as well as workers’ conditions.
On public broadcasting, Minister Abela explained that the massive work carried out in recent months at PBS and what is being proposed is inspired by future challenges in this sector as well as by the desire to create more opportunities across the broadcasting industry and a career for our youths. For PBS to carry out this vision, the Minister mentioned the three-phase project which PBS will launch to upgrade its facilities and resources. This includes the revitalization of the TV House into a state-of-the-art complex with modern studios and facilities needed for top-level productions and broadcasts; the construction of a television stage with all the facilities for larger scale productions; the construction of a news centre equipped with studios and all facilities at Malex House.
In relation to better conditions for workers, the Minister mentioned the double pay measure for working hours worked on Sundays; a measure included in the budget for the year 2022, showing that this Government continues to fight precariousness in contrast to the previous administration.
He explained how the work and purpose of the Department for Employment and Industrial Relations (DIER) is to continue to protect workers’ conditions. The Minister mentioned how the DIER has taken several initiatives to pass on the information needed to make workers aware of their rights and conditions. To this end, DIER is preparing a special book that will be translated into different languages. Preparatory work on the Work Life Balance Directive, as well as on the Wage Regulation Orders, is included among the work being carried out by the DIER. As mentioned in the budget speech, work will be done on an online portal that will include templates of employment contracts so that workers can see what their basic conditions are.
Regarding the European Services Agency in Malta (SEM), Minister Carmelo Abela explained how this year, major work has been done by the agency to strengthen the information and assistance services for obtaining European funds. He explained how voluntary organizations, government entities, and local councils, are not only given free help to apply for funding but are assisted in the implementation of projects. The SEM is coordinating the discussion on the Future of Europe so that citizens can put forward their ideas and suggestions.
The Minister also explained the work done by the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) to strengthen social dialogue, as well as ensure that the discussion is based on research with the help of several experts together with representatives from the social partners. The Minister mentioned that a new mechanism, independent from COLA will be discussed in the MCESD in due course, most especially to protect the most vulnerable families.
Minister Abela mentioned that the year 2022 should be challenging for the Privatisation Unit (PU), where in addition to the ongoing projects, the PU will be responsible for the administration of the Concession of the National Lottery Rights, which is expected to generate a minimum of 40 million euros as revenue in public funds.
Minister Abela concluded how the measures announced in the 2022 Budget will further increase the rate of delivery of the electoral manifesto, which has so far been carried out by just over 87%.
