Update 2: MCESD to hold urgent meeting on tariffs, MLP to hold demo

The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) is to hold an urgent meeting this afternoon following the government's decision on the water and electricity tariffs.

The meeting was requested by the UHM and the GWU.

The UHM in a letter said that social dialogue should lead to solutions for the problems facing the country but the measures proposed by the government were detrimental to the economy and to jobs.

The government was ignoring the social partners, the union said.

Meanwhile the GRTU said the government decision to disregard the MCESD was "a very serious development."

It said it considered the new rates for water and electricity as unreasonable given the market and economic situation.

The GRTU said the situation in Malta today dictated the need for unity, which was vital for the country to tackle the difficulties it faced as recession hit its most important markets.

Meanwhile Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat has announced a national protest over the new tariffs. No place, date and time have been given yet.