Joseph works and leads campaigns on a number of issues. The following are some of the results so far:
OUR JOBS
Mortgage RespiteJoseph proposes that workers made redundant should be given respite on their mortgage repayments. Government takes up the proposal on a number of specific cases. Labour pledges to implement Joseph's proposal across the board.
Assistance to Redundant WorkersThe Maltese Government heeds and appeal made by Joseph and applies for European Globalisation Adjustment Fund resources to finance programmes for more than 650 workers made redundant in the clothing industry.
Part-Time Workers' BenefitsThe Maltese Government changes labour law in order to allow part-timers working at least 8 hours a week - and not 20 hours as was the case previously - to be eligible for pro-rata benefits such as leave, sick leave, and maternity leave. Change comes after pressure by Joseph, including a direct question on this issue to the Commission given that the previous situation was in conflict with European Union regulations.
Port WorkersJoseph plays crucial role in securing massive victory in Port Services Directive, thus safeguarding the welfare of port workers in Malta and across Europe.
Vehicle Registration TaxJoseph campaigns heavily on the need to phase out the Vehicle Registration Tax system and introduce instead an Emissions Contribution. His position reflects a proposal made by the European Commission and endorsed by the European Parliament. The Maltese Government is resisting this change but Joseph has pledged to continue campaigning on this issue, irrespective of who is in government. In the meantime, Joseph has helped a number of Maltese returned migrants get a refund on Vehicle Registration Tax paid after it was proved that they were misled by Maltese authorities. The case was decided by the Ombudsman. The European Commission starts infringement procedures against Malta on Vehicle Registration Tax on second-hand vehicles. Furthermore, Joseph has put forward a case showing that VAT on Registration Tax is being charged in breach of EU rules.
Departure TaxEuropean Commission starts infringement procedures against Malta on the levying of Departure Tax following pressure by Joseph. He had warned government that it should act immediately to avoid such a measure. Nevertheless, a reduction in the Departure Tax came too late.
Satellite Dish Receiver LicenceThe Maltese Government waives the licence fee on satellite dish receivers and also pays refunds to hundreds of Maltese and Gozitan families following action by Joseph.
Sports BroadcastsJoseph campaigns heavily for free-to-air transmissions of sports events, such as the World Cup and Formula 1 races, not to be blocked by digital television providers. The Office for Fair Competition backs this position and orders the providers to comply.
Reduced VAT on Labour-Intensive ServicesJoseph presses in the European Parliament for the scheme on reduced VAT on labour-intensive services to be renewed and also made available to new member states, including Malta. He also states that ecological services and restaurant services should be included in the scope of this scheme. Labour endorses this proposal and includes it in its Economic and Social Regeneration Plan.
Gozo Helicopter SubsidyThe European Parliament approves an amendment moved by Joseph allowing subsidies for air links between islands, such and Malta and Gozo.
OUR ENVIRONMENT
St Luke's Hospital Incinerator
The St Luke's Hospital incinerator is closed down after the European Commission opened infringement procedures on its non-compliance with EU Directives. This step was taken following an intervention by Joseph.
Power Station EmissionsMEPA and Enemalta admit Delimara Power Station Phase 1 is in breach of EU directives and other problems regarding air pollution following a reply by the European Commission to a question by Joseph. The Commission states it "is not aware of specific problems of air pollution created by the emissions of the Marsa Power Station." This reply starts an awareness campaign on the issue.
Strategic Environment AssessmentGovernment introduces Strategic Environment Assessment Directive following pressure by Joseph. This assessment must now be made on major policy proposal such as those on the development of golf courses.
Waste TransportGovernment stops transporting waste in open containers on passenger ferry between Gozo and Malta following Joseph's claim that it breaches the Waste Framework Directive. This waste is now being transported in suitable vehicles.
OUR RIGHTS
Roaming
Joseph pens a European Parliament report on the consumer protection aspect of the Commission Proposal on Mobile Telephony Roaming Charges. The report leads to a reduction of more than 50% in roaming charges while ensuring more information for the consumers.
Equal Rights for Disabled PersonsIntervention by Joseph leads to the Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) getting full membership in the European Disability Forum. He also represented the European Parliament Disability Intergroup in talks with airlines on the Directive on Rights of Disabled Passengers which provides for full accessibility rights.
Medicine RegistrationThe European Commission confirms to Joseph that the present EU legal framework offers a solution to the problem of medicine registration in Luxembourg on the same lines of the system being implemented in Luxembourg. Labour writes to the Prime Minister to inform him about this development and urge him to make use of this opportunity.
Health and SafetyThe Occupational Health and Safety Authority takes steps to see that a number of work places are observing EU standards on factory floor temperatures, odours and safety measures following reports by Joseph.
OUR COUNTRY
Local Council FundingJoseph's office organises a training seminar for local councils on European Union funding. Since then, our office has helped many councils and NGOs to access EU funds. Specific examples are the Cottonera local councils' membership in the European Port Cities Network and the South local councils teaming up for a project on alternative energy.
Respect MaltaJoseph stops delivering a speech and walked out of the European Parliament's Plenary Sitting to protest against the fact that no interpretation was available for his speech in Maltese. Since then, the Maltese language is being treated in actual fact as an official language of the European Union during all sittings.
Euro AdoptionThe European Parliament approves Joseph's amendments on a report on Eurozone enlargement calling stating that Euro changeover should not be tackled and projected as simply a technical change in currency but as a major conversion with significant economic, monetary and social effects.
OUR BUSINESS
Anti-Money Laundering DirectiveJoseph pens a European Parliament report on the Third Anti-Money Laundering Directive which sets new standards on the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.
Consolidation of Financial ServicesThe European Parliament approves with a large majority Joseph's report on Consolidation in the Financial Services Industry in Europe. Internal Market Commissioner, Charles McCreevy, endorses the report and says that convergence on such a delicate and controversial issue is mainly due to what he termed as an "open, transparent and inclusive approach" adopted by Joseph.
Late Payments DirectiveJoseph's pressure leads the Commission to order the Maltese Government to transpose correctly the Late Payments Directive, thus giving more protection to small business when dealing with late payments even from government itself.
