AD welcomes PL proposal for free childcare centres

Alternattiva Demorkatika welcomed the Labour Party's endorsement of proposals pushed forward by the Green Party and the Union Haddiema Maghqudin for free childcare centres.

Reacting to the news, AD chairperson Michael Briguglio said childcare service be universally accessible and in collaboration with the private sector, as proposed by the PL.

"The state should provide free services to those who need them, in addition to more opportunities for teleworking, flexi time upon workers' choice and other family-friendly measures," Briguglio said.

He said that these measures should be coupled with other progressive measures such as an increase in minimum wage, an increase in the disability pension and an increase in parental leave to 20 weeks. According to Briguglio, the other partner should benefit from two weeks, as proposed within the European Union.

"The state should create a joint fund with the private sector to assist

small and medium businesses in the implementation of this measure. AD

is the only party proposing these progressive reforms," he added.

Briguglio said that gender equality mainstreaming should take place at all levels of society, including all levels of government and in the private sector.

"Malta is often the last among EU Member States when it comes to gender equality," he said.