PL lambasts government over ‘reduced hours are not a right’ claim

“Reduced hours are not a right, and if one applies it does not necessarily mean the employer will grant it,” Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has said. “The employer – whether it is government or private – will have to consider the particular circumstances before granting the request.”

The comment was made following an intervention by a listener on Radio101 last Saturday. The caller claimed his wife, a police officer, was not granted reduced hours.

In a reaction, Opposition’s spokesperson on the family Justyne Caruana described the Prime Minister’s comment as “insensitive” and “reflects a lack of seriousness and commitment in favour of the family.”

Caruana said this is being said in the context where family friendly measures are needed to reach a balance between family and work.

“Such measures are needed so our families can live a more qualitative life both on material levels, but even more so on emotional levels.”

Caruana said Gonzi’s comments confirm that those measures which government “is so proud of, are only measures on paper”. She said, “his words are a clear proof on how this government has no vision and commitment for more mothers to continue working.”

“This confirms Gonzi’s government is the biggest enemy of our families.”