Unions and employers want tariffs decision postponed

Unions and employers are asking the government to postpone the decision on increasing the water and electricity tariffs to April.

Following a brief meeting of the MCESD this afternoon, for which ministers were not invited, chairman Sonny Portelli read a statement which was then presented to Godwin Grima, the principal permanent secretary, who was representing the government.

They unions and employers said they are proposing that should the price of oil stabilise at a low level by April, the government should keep part of the savings to make good for the fiscal impact.

In the meantime, the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) will meet monthly to discuss international developments and their effect on Malta and take immediate action if necessary.

"The principle of social dialogue can only be respected if the social partners are given adequate time to discuss developments and to be part of the solution through adequate consultation," Mr Portelli said. That had not been the case to date with regard to the tariffs, he said.