Updated 1130
Abela promises tax cuts for the middle class in the budget
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced upcoming income tax cuts in the budget, ensuring parents earning up to €1,000 monthly will be exempt from income tax. Speaking at a campaign event, he emphasised the government’s commitment to tax cuts promised in its manifesto, aimed at aiding the middle class. This initiative will provide middle-class families with an extra €600 annually and represents the largest tax reduction by the government. The measure, along with additional pension raises and other benefits, will be introduced in October. Abela also highlighted existing initiatives like energy subsidies and a €1,500 allowance for families with children in post-secondary education, urging public support in the upcoming elections. (Times of Malta)
PN says Malta needs to show good judgement in its use of European funds
Nationalist Euro Parliament candidates Peter Agius and Miriana Testaferrata de Noto emphasised the importance of wisely utilising EU funds for Malta’s prosperity. During a press conference, Agius highlighted a recent EU Parliament report placing Malta last in the use of 2020 European funds, noting that many other member states have fully utilized their allocations. He criticised the government for not adequately supporting professionals and entities in securing these funds. Testaferrata de Noto pointed out that Malta has benefited significantly over the past 20 years, making the current underutilization detrimental to the economy. She proposed that the PN aims to secure more European funds to enhance the quality of life in Malta and Gozo.
GWU signs new collective agreement with PBS workers
The General Workers Union (GWU) has finalised a collective agreement with Public Service Broadcaster (PBS) for 2024-2028, covering 126 workers. Riccarda Darmanin, GWU’s Section Secretary, expressed appreciation for the cooperative spirit during negotiations and highlighted the pivotal role of workers’ representative Anthony Dimech. The agreement introduces new pay scales, flexible working hours, replacement pay, improved promotion opportunities, and a fairer disciplinary process. The signing was attended by Darmanin, Dimech, PBS CEO Mark Sammut, and COO Charles Dalli. Additionally, GWU signed a similar agreement with Ecopure Ltd, with Kevin Abela, Secretary of GWU’s Hospitality and Food Section, thanking all participants in the discussions.
Morning Briefing
88% of MEP voting documents collected
Of the 370,184 voting documents printed for the upcoming European Parliament elections, 326,571 had been collected as of Sunday, European Commissioner Joseph Camilleri reported on Monday. This means that 88.2% of voting documents for the MEP elections have been collected, with 43,613 still uncollected. For the local council elections, 457,343 voting documents were printed, and 340,010 have been collected, representing a collection rate of 74.3%. A total of 117,333 documents remain uncollected. (Times of Malta)
Outsourced workers to get equal conditions from 2025
Temping agency and outsourced workers will start to benefit from equal pay and work conditions as the workers of the employer where they are assigned. Starting from 1 January 2025, temporary and outsourced workers will be granted the same rights as workers in the company they are being outsourced to. Outsourced workers respond to an outsourcing company, while temporary workers respond to the client company of their temping agency. Under the new regulations, the two groups of workers will be granted the same rights. (Maltatoday)
Carers held responsible for centenerian’s death
A court has instructed immigration authorities to “seriously consider” deporting two carers from Malta after their professional negligence led to the death of a 101-year-old resident at St Vincent de Paul home. The court also urged the Health Minister and care home authorities to investigate the lifters, hoists, hammocks, and slings used for patient handling to ensure they are suited to each patient’s specific needs. This judgment followed proceedings against a doctor and two carers accused of involuntary homicide due to negligence in August 2019. The two carers, who were not named, were given a suspended sentence. (Maltatoday)
