Updated: MCESD talks focus on the budget
The social partners had another meeting within the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development this morning but reported that there was no agreement on budget measures and another meeting will be held next Friday.
The meeting was focused on the budget, after other meetings earlier this week discussed the proposed utility tariffs.
However trade unions are insisting that the budget measures should include compensation for increased costs if the utility tariffs are raised.
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said earlier this week that the budget would not bring forward compensation for any increase in the cost of living expected next year – as had happened in the budget for this year.
Employers and trade unions yesterday called for the new tariffs to be put off to early next year, but there was no government reaction to that call during this morning's meeting.
Those taking part in this morning's meeting did not say much. However the chairman, Sonny Portelli, said the meeting was positive and Vince Farrugia, director-general of the GRTU said it appeared that the budget would not be hard on the people.
The budget will be presented on November 3.
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9 Comments
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s.bugeja
Oct 25th 2008, 21:24
if the government goes ahead with its plans regarding the tariffs and compensation the poverty line in Malta will shoot up like a rocket with all the dire consequences that would bring.
P.Schembri
Oct 25th 2008, 18:29
We are now used to PN tactics. The taxes are levied between budgets. And on Budget day, the PN pompously will claim another PN tax-free budget. I've been laughing so much these last ten years, that my sides are still hurting.
anna buttigieg
Oct 25th 2008, 15:20
In this budget I don't think that there will be increase in prices because under this government
increase in prices will be everyday ,during the year .
So thats why will not be so bad for the people because all taxes are made out of the budget.
Keith Davis
Oct 25th 2008, 13:50
A solution must be found. We must pay what we consume. Nothing is for free. We always have to pay one way or another. So asking for the governement to reduce energy tariffs will only make us pay another tax later.
Eleanor Sacco
Oct 25th 2008, 13:15
I can understand that we cannot continue with all these subsidies as we are paying them just the same with our taxes. However the government must wait a bit before introducing new rates as we do not know yet how the international crisis is going to affect us. Even though our banks are secure but companies that export will be effected and that means that there will be some people unemployed.
mario borg
Oct 25th 2008, 12:49
in any European country such measures would most probably lead to mass protests lead by the unions...but not in malta as they will be accussed of destabilising the country, putting job at risk, ...etc
who says we are not special?
A. Saliba
Oct 25th 2008, 12:23
"Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said earlier this week that the budget would not bring forward compensation for any increase in the cost of living expected next year – as had happened in the budget for this year."
I'm not expecting direct compensation, but I am expecting the tax cuts promised before the election. I really hope we're not going to have to wait for the next pre-election budget for these cuts to be fully implemented.
l Galea
Oct 25th 2008, 12:06
"However trade unions are insisting that the budget measures should include compensation for increased costs if the utility tariffs are raised"
In the 1980's, a Union had requested Lm9 a week pay rise when the cost of living was very much less than it is today and prices were controlled.
How much does this Union consider is adequate compensation for the explosion in the cost of living and exorbitant utility prices which we are now facing?
P.Schembri
Oct 25th 2008, 11:41
If MCESD agree with the government on the tariffs which it wants to impose on us, being already overburdened as we are, would be total betrayal of their principles for protecting us normal citizens.