GWU surprised by statement on Enemalta

The GWU said today it was surprised and concerned by a comment made by Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt on Saturday that unless power tariffs went up, Enemalta might not be able to pay its employees.

The union said this statement was unacceptable since the Enemalta financial estimates already provided for the workers' pay.

It appeared that the minister was trying to use the workers' pay as a tool to turn public opinion in favour of the increase without considering its socio-economic impact, the union said.

The GWU said that if Enemalta was really in financial straits, the situation was not caused by the workers. Indeed, in terms of the last collective agreement, instead of a pay rise the workers had accepted to take a once only bonus.