Unite calls for minimum wage increase

Unite the Union called for a “significant rise” to Gibraltar’s minimum wage on Wednesday afternoon during the May Day rally in Campion Park.

Unite Gibraltar Chairman Christian Duo said an increase should form part of the budget, adding this was “not just about economics, but about human dignity.”

“We live in a society where hard work should be rewarded with a fair and liveable wage,” Mr Duo said.

“Yet far too many workers struggle to make ends meet while working full-time jobs that pay the minimum wage.”

“By increasing the minimum wage to a decent level, we can lift many working individuals out of low pay and give them the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families.”

Mr Duo said the business community would argue this would result in job losses and increased prices.

But, Mr Duo said, raising the minimum wage could stimulate the economy, adding that the current minimum wage is not a living wage, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis.

Mr Duo held a minute’s silence for the late Pepe Peliza and Eileen Mesilio who both contributed to the Union.

Speeches were also delivered by Conchita Triay from the Gibraltar Mental Welfare Society, Henry Pinna from Action for Housing, Unite Public Sector Chair David Banda, and Unite Regional Officer Sam Hennessy.

Mr Hennessy said Unite has been at the forefront for fighting for better pay in Gibraltar, citing the strike action by the Bus Company employees last year.

He added that Unite is also supporting the lowering of the legal age to vote to 16 years.

Mr Banda said the union will continue to fight for fair wages, safe working conditions and social justice.

Ms Triay stressed the importance of mental health, calling it the “poor sister” of health provision.

“In the GMWS we believe that, in mental health, we should have access to as wide a range of specialisms as we do for physical health conditions,” Ms Triay said.

She said the community needs to demand better services, even openly on social media.

Mr Pinna highlighted issues within Gibraltar’s housing sector, describing how the number of those in the Government’s housing waiting list has increased this past year.

He said there are people in Gibraltar living in terrible conditions and that, despite the Government’s offer of affordable housing, not all can afford purchasing a property.

He called on the Government to build further rental housing.