Worker’s Union Proposes 35 Hour Work Week Ahead Of Budget 2027

Workers’ union UĦM has proposed the introduction of a €500 fitness grant for workers and a voluntary pilot project to reduce the working week to 35 hours as part of its Budget 2027 proposals.

The union said sport should be viewed as a form of prevention and a tool to improve workers’ wellbeing. UĦM Chief Executive Josef Vella said the proposal would extend the principle behind existing free gym schemes for young people to the wider workforce for a full year.

He argued that workers currently contributing most to the economy often receive fewer benefits, adding that the initiative would support both employees and local fitness operators.

The proposed 35-hour working week pilot would allow companies and organisations to voluntarily participate and assess the impact of reduced working hours.

Among other measures, UĦM is calling for additional support for parents until their child turns three, arguing that the first years of a child’s development are particularly important.

The union also proposed the creation of a national research-based entity to identify future labour market skills, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and digitalisation.

Other proposals include full pay during injury leave, a 10% tax rate on overtime and performance bonuses, and excluding national insurance contributions and the cost of living adjustment from taxable income.

What do you make of these proposals?

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