Hearses owners ready to call off strike if ministry holds talks
The president of the Malta Hearses Association, John Bray, said today that his association would definitely go on strike unless the Transport Ministry agreed to a meeting before 6 a.m. on Monday.
Mr Bray told a press conference that the granting of new licences for hearses was an injustice because it violated an agreement reached with former Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett. He said owners had invested between Lm40,000 and Lm45,000 each over the past few years on condition that no new licences were issued.
Mr Bray said the market could not support new operators, and indeed, the current operators already had an uphill task, with only between five and six hearses operating every day.
He insisted that liberalization of the service given by the hearses would not make funerals cheaper. That would only happen if the government regulated undertakers.
The government yesterday denied that an agreement existed for no new licences to be granted. It also pointed out that the hearses were replaced after registration tax was waived. In contrast, new hearses are subject to a registration tax of 30 percent.
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Antoine Vella
Jul 12th 2008, 23:54
@ Joseph Agius
I fully agree with your sentiments but, being the pedantic fellow that I am, have to point out that public transport is already privatised. You must be thinking of that other glittering jewel: the Dockyard.
Dvella
Jul 12th 2008, 20:42
What cheek . . . talks at gunpoint . . . ! Who the heck do these guys think they are, they've had their cake and eaten it for half a century . . . nobody owes them a living!
Paul Aquilina
Jul 12th 2008, 19:31
If as Mr.bray said there is no business for more hearses, surely no one will be interested to join in non profit making business. so why all the worry and fuss.
we are living in 2008 monopolies go back to the labour periord.
Alfred Briffa
Jul 12th 2008, 19:28
It's a make or break situation. I totally agree with Dr Gatt and the Cabinet to call it a day for monopolies!
But if we ALL agree with Dr Gatt's guts, as from Monday we must ALL give our share, we that are not bus commuters; we must give 'lifts' to those who will the carrying the weight of such decisions.
Call the bluff all those who are congratulating DrGatt...including undersighed!!!
Joseph Agius
Jul 12th 2008, 18:14
Hope the minister is not available before 6.00 on Monday. What arrogance! PLEASE PRIVATISE ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT.....it is a plea from the majority of the people in Malta....even though the new MLP leadership has not yet realised this!
David Buttigieg
Jul 12th 2008, 18:08
Let them go on strike! There are other hearses now:)
J Farrugai
Jul 12th 2008, 15:04
call the bluff DrGatt. Don't let them dictate to us the Maltese people when to talk and when to strike. They have to bite the bullet. we are with you. No monopolies should exist in this country.
C.Mifsud
Jul 12th 2008, 13:56
Go on strike Bray... you acting like kids...! Hope Minister Gatt does not backtrack now as the political consequences will be dire.