‘Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value’ New Regulations Announced

Jun 3 2024

In a significant move to bolster workers’ rights, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced today that the principle of ‘Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value’ will be extended to the private sector. This initiative will be implemented from the beginning of next year.

Prime Minister Abela said that the publication of the Legal Notice for this new regulation is a testament to the Government’s dedication to fulfilling its promises under the ‘Malta Flimkien’ program. “We are not just starting discussions; we are implementing changes driven by a social spirit,” Abela stated. He emphasised the Government’s belief in social dialogue, reflecting on previous successful initiatives such as the National Minimum Wage increase and the Stability initiative, achieved through robust discussions and agreements.

The reform will ensure that contractor workers receive the same pay as those directly employed at a workplace for performing work of the same value. This change is expected to strengthen workers’ rights significantly, building on previous improvements such as increased parental leave.

“The investments and opportunities we create aim to provide dignity and stronger rights to all workers,” stressed the Prime Minister. He expressed gratitude to everyone involved in designing this positive change, which will impact hundreds of workers across various sectors, including tourism, hospitality, and manufacturing. “These are positive changes we have carried out with the strength of everyone,” he added.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul, elaborated on the benefits of the new law. He emphasised that it will enhance the rights and protection of workers employed through employment agencies by ensuring their wages are on par with those of other workers in similar roles. “This increase in wages not only boosts the country’s wealth but also respects and recognizes the dignity and skills of the workers,” Ellul said.

Dr. Ellul also pointed out another critical aspect of the law: ensuring equal statutory working conditions. This means that agency workers will not only receive equal pay but will also enjoy the same working conditions as their directly employed counterparts. These conditions include annual leave, breaks, overtime, and health and safety protections.

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‘Għall Familji Minn Fuq Il-Glażiż’: Families & Youths Attend Open Day In Birgu

Jun 3 2024

The newly inaugurated Ġnien Fuq il-Glażiż in Vittoriosa saw a large turnout yesterday as many families and youths attended the open day activities. This event was organised by WasteServ and Project Green, in collaboration with the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour and Birgu Local Council.

The garden, inaugurated last Wednesday by Prime Minister Robert Abela, Minister Miriam Dalli, and Vittoriosa councillors, alongside students from Vittoriosa Primary School, offers modern facilities for people of all ages, including a dedicated dog park. Attendees at Saturday’s event enjoyed traditional Maltese games and potting sessions.

The 1st Cospicua Scout Group organised games and competitions, using the garden’s playground equipment. Children could also meet WasteServ’s three popular mascots – General Buzz, Commander Yellow, and Garbage Monster. Situated in the heart of Cottonera, Ġnien Fuq il-Glażiż is the perfect place for some quiet time or for a picnic with family and friends. The garden is named after the glacis on which it is situated, part of the historic Santa Margherita fortification.

The design, created by GreenServ architects, respects the site’s historical character, incorporating pathways around existing trees. Natural and recycled materials were used for the garden’s installations, and the garden’s lighting system operates on solar energy. Project Green will manage the maintenance and care of Ġnien Fuq il-Glażiż, ensuring that this urban open space continues to be enjoyed by residents and the general public.

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Shaun Farrugia Teases Another Song With Martin Garrix

Jun 3 2024

Local singer and songwriter Shaun Farrugia has teased the release of yet another song with international DJ Martin Garrix.

Shaun released a reel of some of the lyrics from the upcoming song, writing in the caption how:

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A post shared by Shaun Farrugia (@shaunfarrrugia)

‘When Martin Garrix and I wrote these lyrics, they immediately felt so special. Now giving purpose to every sunrise I will see for the rest of my life.’

The new song, entitled ‘Wherever You Are’, is set for a June 7th 2024 release.

The two artists have already released ‘If We’ll Ever Be Remembered’ and ‘Starlight (Keep Me Afloat)’ together, and their close bond will keep generating new tracks for us to enjoy.

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4 Youth Arrested After Stealing Jewellery Off Party-Goers’ Necks

Jun 3 2024

Four Italian youths, who allegedly form part of an organised crime group, were arrested through collaborative work by various sections of the police crops.

The youths were arrested in connection with a series of thefts, known as ‘snatch and grab’, of jewellery from entertainment establishments.

Last Saturday, police were informed together, that there is assistance needed in an entertainment establishment in Ħaż-Żebbuġ and St Julian’s.

Police convened immediately on site and arrested two youth in Ħaż-Żebbuġ, with two youths getting arrested moments later in St Julian’s.

Investigations showed that these youths were going into entertainment establishments with large crowds and essentially pulling necklaces off of the necks of victims and running into the crowd.

The culprits are aged 16, 18, 21 and 24 and live in Italy. They were arraigned in court on Sunday in front of Magistrate Dr Nadia-Helena Vella.

Two of the culprits – the ones aged 24 and 21 years old – admitted to the accusations and were handed a 9 month and 12 month prison sentences respectively. The 16 and 18 year olds plead not guilty but are still being held under preventative arrest.

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