Adrian Delia Proposes 35 Hour Work Days

Speaking during a live discussion between Finance Minister Clyde Caruana and PN MP Adrian Delia, the latter proposed a 35 hour work day instead of a four day work week.

During the discussion, Delia said that the worker would still be earning the same wage, but would have that extra five hours reduced from the total of 40 that is currently the total norm.

This, he said, would allow persons to enjoy life after work more and potentially even be more likely to consider starting a family.

Speaking to Malta Daily, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana reiterated his position on the four day work week not yet being feasible in the Maltese context.

Despite saying that he is not against the concept, he contrasted Malta’s situation with The Netherlands.

Caruana said that the Dutch workforce has spent more time, on average, in education and raised their skill level higher. This, he said, made them more productive and raised their wages to around three times higher than the Maltese context.

The Minister said that a four day work week is something we have to work towards but that, at this stage, ‘we have to be careful what we wish for’, as the current economic structure of the country does not yet allow for it and could result in ‘a lot of people getting (financially, economically) hurt.’

What do you think?

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