Investigation should be held to determine reasons for food courier strike - Home Affairs Minister

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that an investigation should be held on whether the platform which food couriers work for are abusing of their workers, as they go on strike in protest against very low wages.Times of Malta reported that foo

By: independent.com.mt

Jul 08 2024
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Investigation should be held t

Times of Malta reported that food couriers were on strike on Monday, saying they are struggling to make ends meet after their platform slashed delivery wages, forcing them to "work twice as much to earn half as much" as they used to.

During Monday's parliamentary question portion of the plenary, PN MP Darren Carabott asked Camilleri about the food courier strike, which is now in its second day.

Camilleri said that Malta is a country which celebrates workers rights, and it cannot tolerate or celebrate those who do not respect workers' rights. He said that the allegations must be investigated, as they are allegations which reduce their rights as workers.

He warned such companies who employ these workers to not resort to firing the workers and replace them with others, as they will find the authorities behind their doors.

Camilleri then questioned the need to keep bringing in more foreign workers to work such jobs, saying that there is no longer need for more of these workers.

He appealed for the workers to become members of a union, report abuse by employers and said that a meeting with the workers, Jobsplus, as well as the DIER is to occur soon on the matter.

PN MP Albert Buttigieg then asked Camilleri on what government will be doing to address the country's heatwave and the excessive heat in prison cells.

Camilleri replied that while the building is an old one, last year, the basic need for a fan has been acknowledged and provided for everyone, as well as ACs installed in dormitories which experience excessive heat.

He said that there are other measures, and work will continue to upgrade the facility, to be more focused on rehabilitation. Camilleri said that the country "always had a high level of recidivism," saying that five generations of the same family have ended up in prison. He said that this is a matter which needs to be addressed.

Asked about Svetlana Muscat, the prison's Head of Strategy who is under investigation for allegedly facilitating meetings with Yorgen Fenech, Camilleri said that the Minister will not be the one investigating, and did not answer the questions.