Updated 1800
Maltatoday says that food couriers will have to be paid overtime, sick leave and statutory bonuses under new rules. Employers of platform workers will have to provide work contracts and detailed payslips
The Times of Malta reports that a woman knocked down by a motorist while window shopping in Sliema four years ago was awarded almost €116,000 in damages.
Newsbook says that Labour Ministers will be publishing their assets in the next days according to the government whip.
TVM leads with news that The Government has announced a new legislative package regarding employees working on digital platforms aimed at safeguarding their rights and addressing a new development sector at a time of international incertitude.
Updated 1200
GWU floats 4-day, 40-hour week in pre-budget proposals: The General Workers Union has proposed a standard tax rate of 15% on overtime work for all overtime income in its pre-budget proposals presented today. Currently, income above the first €10,000 from overtime work is charged at normal tax rates. It has also suggested the introduction of the option for workers to work a 40-hour week over four days. The Union insisted that the cost-of-living adjustment should not change, but it said it was open to improve the mechanism. The GWU further proposed that it should be mandatory for employees to be part of a trade union of their choice.
Debt levels rise to €8.3bn in 2021: Government debt increased by €1,293.2 million over 2020 and stood at €8,267.8 million according to fresh reporting submitted by the Finance Ministry to the EU. The debt-to-GDP ratio for 2021 rose to 56.3 per cent from 53.3 per cent in 2020. The deficit of General Government for 2021 amounted to €1,142.9 million, an improvement of €81.9 million over the deficit recorded in the previous year. When comparing 2021 to 2020, total revenue increased by €646.9 million, while total expenditure increased by €565.0 million. The fiscal results for 2021 were again impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent government measures to mitigate the economic, social and health risks associated with the pandemic, government said.
PN considering Perici Calascione co-option: The Nationalist Party leadership is reportedly considering co-opting deputy leader Alex Perici Calascione to the House of Representatives, should no runner-up candidate submit contest the 10th District casual election to replace Robert Arrigo who passed away earlier this week. The PN has three candidates who were not elected – St Julian’s Mayor Albert Buttigieg, former MP Karl Gouder and newcomer Emma Portelli Bonnici.
Morning Briefing
PM Abela in Brussels for EU summit
PM Robert Abela has joined the leaders of the other 26 EU countries of the European Union in Brussels for a political summit focusing on energy prices and the situation in Ukraine. Talks went on late on Monday night, as unprecedented energy crisis puts further pressure on governments and households around the continent. Abela said that energy prices and security in energy supply were being discussed at a time when Europe needs concrete solutions and actions. (TVM)
PN launches pre-budget document
The Nationalist Party published its pre-budget document, with its key proposals focused on improving the people’s quality of life.
Speaking at a press conference, PN leader Bernard Grech said that the document was a continuation of the last electoral programme and if implemented could make a difference in people’s lives. Opposition spokesperson for finance Jerome Caruana Cilia said that the proposals are structured around six main pillars: cost of living assistance, business development, Health, work and education, the environment as well as justice and good governance. (Times of Malta)
Education Ministry rejects claims on school water fountain
The Education Ministry has accused the Opposition of scaremongering after a PN MP asked whether it was true that a number of children at the San Gorg Preca middle school had gotten sick after drinking water from communal water fountains at the school. “Baseless statements like these are worthy of being condemned, especially when coming from a public figure. That’s why one should verify the facts before sharing fake news. The facts show that the water fountains are subject to regular cleaning and maintenance, as well as water quality tests,” the Ministry noted in a press statement. (The Malta Independent)
