Workers to get extra day of leave • COLA at €1.75

Workers will get an extra day of leave as of next year, the first measure to be introduced by the government in its pledge to give workers back the public holidays that fall on a weekend.

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna told parliament that discussions are underway with social partners to see how the Labour Party’s pledge can be implemented during this legislature.

The minister also announced that the cost of living adjustment will be at €1.75 a week. On their part, students will receive their stipends’ increase pro-rata.

Workers who already spent a year on minimum wage will see their salary increase by €3 a week. On the third year, they will receive an additional €3 increase per week.

Workers who earn more than the minimum wage will also be entitled to part of the increase in their second and third year of employment.