Cynthia Busuttil, Christian Peregin
Unions to join forces in historic protest
'Revise or compensate' - Tony Zarb
Leaders of Malta's trade unions, including Tony Zarb of the General Workers Union and Gejtu Vella of the UĦM, at the press conference in view of Friday's protest demonstration against the new utility rates.
Malta's trade unions have joined forces and will be taking to the streets on Friday to protest against the hike in water and electricity rates and the way the government has undermined social dialogue.
In what was described as a "historic moment in trade union relations", the country's five major unions, which together represent tens of thousands of workers, have agreed to hold a joint manifestation in Valletta, replacing the General Workers' Union demonstration planned for tomorrow.
"We are sending the government a clear message that trade unions are willing to come together to fight for workers' rights," Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin general secretary Gejtu Vella said.
He called on the government to return to the discussion table and leave its know-it-all attitude behind. The unions are meeting again today to formulate a clear common stand.
Sitting beside him, GWU general secretary Tony Zarb said: "We are calling on all workers, pensioners and their families to come to Valletta, so that together we can send the government a clear message against the new tariffs."
If the united call falls on deaf ears, the unions are not excluding other measures, including a national strike. They are incensed that the government has forged ahead with the new tariffs despite strong opposition.
The initiative is the first event that unifies the unions on the same cause. Apart from the two biggest ones, the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions, the Malta Union of Teachers and the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses are also taking part.
Mr Vella said the unions had exhausted all avenues and now had no choice but to urge people to protest on the street. When the Labour Party had announced its manifestation, held last Sunday, Mr Vella had said the union would exhaust all negotiations before considering such a move.
"We did our best with all our tools. This is an important tool," he said.
He said the unions formed one of the three partners (the others being the government and employers) on the Malta Council for Social and Economic Development and the government could not undermine important social dialogue by acting as if it was stronger.
"We don't want a government monopoly because we too have the national interest at heart. The government chose to be hard-headed and not take into consideration the burdens it is imposing on people," he said, adding that the dialogue had lacked a social conscience.
CMTU president William Portelli said this was a major step forward for local trade unionism and the start of a new relationship.
This was echoed by Mr Zarb, who said the move could lead to more discussion and cooperation between unions in the future.
Later, standing ovations and loud applause characterised a rally at the GWU's headquarters in Valletta, where members were informed of Friday's protest.
Mr Zarb described it as a historic moment which made him proud. He kept repeating that the unions were going to form "one fist" against the burdens the government was imposing on workers.
The GWU, he said, had managed to convince all the others to unite within only 24 hours of starting discussions, and he hoped this would be the start of a new and long chapter of collaboration on such issues.
"We will show the government who is performing theatrics," he said in reference to the Prime Minister's criticism of Labour's own manifestation against the new utility rates.
"We will see whether they will continue to slam the door in our faces."
The Nationalist government had now emerged as a wolf after posing in sheep's clothing before the election, and now was the time to end its arrogance, he said.
The unions' message was "revise or compensate".
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Kevin Camilleri
Nov 13th 2008, 09:38
@ charles camiileri. Mistoqsija wahda u semplici u nistenna risposta semplici, jaqaw il-kontijiet ghalik ma gholewx forsi? barra minn hekk ha nfakkrek, dak inhar saru bosta laqghat u filfatt semmili hekk hallastx xi kont ghax sa dak inhar kien ghadu mhemmx QBIL u dan il-fulkrum la ma kienx hemm QBIL HADD MA HALLAS kont minn meta bdew it-tahditiet, niftakar ukoll li dak inhar il-UHM talbet Lm9 zieda li ma nara xejn hazin minn dan imma mbaghad meta l-affarijiet nqallbu u kellna budget wara l-iehor b'taxxi kontra taxxi ma jidirliex li kien hemm xi sur Gejtu Vella li rega talab l-istess. L-ipokrezija hija hawn skond is-sur Vella ma jinzilx jipprotesta ghax inaffar l-investiment dan qalu hu stess dil-gimgha fuq il-gurnali xinhi r-raguni allura li issa niezel jipprotesta? J'Alla li issa la l-unjins kollha qed jaqblu u dan sahha ghall GWU jibqghu sejrin hekk ghax dawn huma l-unika organizzajonijiet li jsemmghu lehen il-haddiem Well Done u Prosit
gxuereb
Nov 12th 2008, 23:02
Joe Attard Kingswell tried, George Agius tried too, Anglu Fenech almost got there.......................but finally Tony Zarb did it!! Well done TONY ZARB and may this victory leads to a MALTA TRADE UNION COUNCIL.
P.Schembri
Nov 12th 2008, 22:02
@Charles Buttigieg. Agree with you 100%. But the question is, would Mintoff have left him arrange his house before calling elections? Because knowing Mintoff and the pressure he was being exerted on by the PN, I think he wouldn't have.
lgalea
Nov 12th 2008, 19:50
E Gatt
it is simply a tax to make good for the inefficiencies of EneMalta. Besides, Agostini Pio said that if oil goes down to $85 or $80 (from $147) he will revise the tariffs. So it is a tax.
Apart from all this, why doesn't the Government take the Opposition suggestion and buy oil now when the price is down so that the average price of the oil that already bought and that which is bought will decrease?
Why wait for oil to again increase in price before buying?
Charles Camilleri
I am not expecting the Nationalist supporters to do it. They are already doing it because any tax is politically neutral.
When the Labour Governemnt was going to revise the tariffs, it was because of the illegal situation at EneMalta which was running at a deficit and not because of the price of oil. EneMalta always made profit during Labour, but started making a loss after the PN was elected. The Tariffs were never implemented because the Labour Government got wise to what EneMalta wanted to do and did not accept their submissions.
Amy Genovese
Nov 12th 2008, 19:26
Once again well done to all unions. This is not a political issue. This is to show our govenrment that ALL the people are hurting. Do you think that when utility bills are issued, these will be sorted depending on the party one votes for? It is time to stand up and be counted. Again ALL unions thanks and wish you all the luck. Together we stand to win!!!
p.grima
Nov 12th 2008, 19:21
@-all-
Some of the bills WERE distributed. I had paid one of those hefty tariffs in 1997 myself. Then, after the 1998 election, I had only credit on my W&E bills for the following year and a half.
The UHM have taken action under both govs. I know, I have participated in an industrial action by the UHM under the PN gov in the early 90's.
Other unions may have two weights and two measures.
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 12th 2008, 19:08
Toni Zarb is proud of this achievement..I don't blame him, I would be just as proud and happy as Toni Zarb if I were in his shoes. He has convinced the other unions - which used to be called the Free Unions in the bad old days - to come over to his side. So far so good; for the GWU. But can the Unions tell us exactly what they are protesting against? Is it perhaps that they want to retain the status quo in the energy tariff structure? Putting it in another way, do they want the administration to retain the old rates + 95% surcharge + subsidies + cross subsidies and do away with the proposed NEW tariffs where every consumer pays fully for the cost of production of the energy HE/SHE consumes without being burdened by subsidies for others?
Ivan Galea
Nov 12th 2008, 18:57
@ A Camilleri
Yes I agree with you...my apologies are now due to Mr Gejtu Vella for my previous hasty remarks posted some days ago which I admit have now been proven wrong . Well done for this show of courage and unity!
Charles J Buttigieg
Nov 12th 2008, 18:48
@ E GATT
“The increase in W&E tariffs is not a tax – it is simply an increase in price for something that is consumed/used. If the price of (say) potatoes increases, you are not paying an increase in tax – same thing.” There’s no problem then as long as it’s not a tax increase. Edgar unfortunately some people are stupid but then again fortunately very few are. Man you never cease to amuse us, keep your jokes coming to soften the utilities blow.
J Cassar Castaldi
Nov 12th 2008, 18:34
@ Charles Camilleri
How did you come to the conclusion that the price of oil is 170 dollars? Oil prices dipped to 56/57 dollars today. you really try to make the people believe anything.
@ A Camilleri and M Briffa
You know it is really funny how eight months ago you voted for GonziPN and now you are boasting that your nationalist union is protesting against the same government you elected and which your union supported. Excellent credentials for wise decision takers. Considering all this how could you expect me to seriously heed your comments.
E Gatt
Nov 12th 2008, 17:59
@ I Galea
The increase in W&E tariffs is not a tax – it is simply an increase in price for something that is consumed/used. If the price of (say) potatoes increases, you are not paying an increase in tax – same thing.
If the government does not stand firm, especially in the present global economic climate, and continues to subsidise W&E from our taxes, then you could be forcing an increase (or postponement of further cuts) in income tax.
The new tariffs will be higher but they are realistic. They are also fair on taxpayers who can control their own consumption to a certain degree and fair on the 30,000 families that are most worse off.
Charles J Buttigieg
Nov 12th 2008, 17:51
@ Charles Camilleri.
Maybe the real new style of Joseph Muscat’s ways of conducting the business of the opposition has something to do with the change of attitude within our trade unions.
Charles Camilleri
Nov 12th 2008, 17:39
@l Galea. Just one simple question and expect a simple answer. Would you ever take part in a protest demonstration against a labour Govt like you are expecting the Nats to do? Tony Zarb did not join the other unions when A Sant raised the utility tariffs and i am sure neither you. Remember at that time there was no world financial crisis and the fuel was just 12 dollars a barrel. Any one without a blurred eyes can see that this just an excuse by the GWU/MLp to protest against the Govt. Pity that the other unions have just fallen into the trap.
Charles J Buttigieg
Nov 12th 2008, 17:34
@ P. Schembri. You are correct however you cannot dismiss the fact that Alfred Sant, a man I admire immensely, committed a grave strategic mistake. He should have first put the house in order before going to battle in a campaign which was clear that he wasn’t going to win. Mintoff was the greatest strategist Malta ever had yet Dr. Sant overestimated the people’s support to challenge Mintoff and the PN won. A sad fact and we are still suffering because of that mistake.
lgalea
Nov 12th 2008, 17:28
A Tabone
I did not refer to all the PN supporters as I know that many of them will also attend because a tax is not selective according to your political color. I was only referring to those who notwithstanding the dire situation into which we have been pushed into by the Gonzipn Government budget they continue to defend the taxes and tariffs. Hope that this clears things up.
Charles Camilleri
Nov 12th 2008, 17:12
@ J. Cassar Castardi. And the fuel was only 12 dollars a barrel not 170 dollars a barrel. The unions must stop playing for the gallery and be reasonable. The importation of fuel must be paid either through the principle of the user pays or through direct taxation. Money does not come like manna from heaven. They have to chose. Protestations is an easy weapon but does not solve problems. A look at what is happening in other countries will prove this.
Charles Camilleri
Nov 12th 2008, 17:05
@ P Schembri. How could the bills be distributed? Labour Govt lasted only 22 months and had no time to do just that.
P.Schembri
Nov 12th 2008, 16:49
I wonder when the truth about 1996-1998 tariffs will emerge. But from what I know, they weren't even processed yet sent to households. Because they were stopped for revision. The advisors, which by the way, were the same during the previous PN administration, told the then MLP government to raise the tariffs to 20%. But upon further calculations, it was found to be nearly 200%. This was something the Labour government didn't want. But someone, in the upper echelons of the Enemalta administration, whispered the hitherto unpublished figures and out came the PN that the government has lost its social conscience. What they don't say is that the MLP government never endorsed those tariffs. But then there was the Mintoff saga in Parliament which destabilised the government along with the PN urging the Unions to protest. Of course, it was too late in the day for Labour to do anything, because the election was at the doorstep and everything remained status quo. Even the tariffs!!! So there was never rise in the w&e tariffs! The bills were never distributed!
g.c.Forte
Nov 12th 2008, 16:28
Seven months ago we had the election, which everybody including the P.N. gave 100% win to the M.L.P. Knowing this the P.N. burst what was left in the maltese kitty, so the labour will find a financial catastrophe. The Lord notice this and stopped it from happening. So now" min xarrab il bakkaljaw jieklu hu " and not try to crucify the people. How can somebody convince me that when the price of oil is going down everyday our government lifted it sky high,it is unbelievable but its true. To the unions I say:...NOW THAT YOU STARTED IT DO NOT STOP UNLESS THE GOVERNMENT COMES TO HIS SENSES . GOOD LUCK
Charles Camilleri
Nov 12th 2008, 16:26
The strike is 20 yrs too late . During the labour Govt Tony Zarb did not support the other unions when they protested against the 33 new taxes including utilities tariffs imposed by Dr. A. Sant. The other unions should keep in mind that if there is a labour Govt. Tony would never have called them to join him in a protest march. This is all POLITICS and the other unions are just playing into the hands of the GWU. Past experience has shown that the GWU is always trigger happy when the Nats are in Government. Never has the GWU ever uttered one word of condemnation to a Labour Govt. It has always been an appeasing partner.
J Cassar Castaldi
Nov 12th 2008, 16:25
@ Mr A Camilleri and Mr M Briffa
You are very wrong. Under the labour administration the tariffs were peanuts compared to what we have to face now.
As for the GWU/UHM I remeber quite well. The GWU was instrumental to bring about the best working conditions for all the maltese workers especially in the seventies and yes in the eighties. Today i believe it was better to be alive in the dark than dead in the light.
As regards to your UHM leaders year after year, tax after tax, i have only heard them trying to justify Gonzi'sand PN's intended hardships. Up to a couple of days ago they even justified the budget notwithstanding the increase in utility rates imposed by government just before the budget. Obviously now with all the other unions and CMTU supporting the GWU protest they had to take part as otherwise their mask would have been unvieled.
charles galea
Nov 12th 2008, 16:23
Well done ,for all our unions but,have i got it wrong? Where is the GRTU?
J Farrugia
Nov 12th 2008, 16:15
I'm tired of reading comments by the usual labour lot. They say it's a union thing. The GWU /MLP link is still alive and kicking. Haven't you heard that Tony shrieking from his tonsils, that they want to rock the Government. Still the same old record 10 years after.
s bonanno
Nov 12th 2008, 16:13
Il-GWU, UHM, CMTU, MUT, MUMN, MUBE, UCC, ALPA, UHBC, UPASP, COP, LRU, MUPP, UMASA, UPAP qed isejhu lill-membri taghhom, haddiema u pensjonanti flimkien mal-familji taghhom biex nhar il-Gimgha, 14 ta’ Novembru 2008 jipprotestaw maghhom fit-toroq tal-Belt kontra:
1. Iz-zidiet fit-tariffi tad-dawl u l-ilma; u
2. L-imminar tad-djalogu socjali konstruttiv.
Id-dimostranti ghandhom jingabru fi Pjazza Helsien, il-Belt fil-5.15 p.m. Fuq quddiem tad-dimostrazzjoni se jimxu l-ufficjali tat-trejdunjons segwiti mir-rapprezentanti tad-diversi Kunsilli u Ezekuttivi tal-unions. Warajhom jimxu d-dimostranti kollha f’daqqa.
Id-dimostrazzjoni se timxi lejn triq ir-Repubblika, iddur ma’ Triq San Gwann u ddur ‘il fuq lejn Triq Merkanti, fejn se jintrema l-palk. Fuq il-palk se jitilghu l-Ufficjali tat-Trejdunjons kif jigu maghjta.
Id-dimostranti ser jigu mitluba japprovaw rizoluzzjoni li ser tinqara minn fuq il-palk.
Wara l-approvazzjoni ser jindaqq l-Innu Malti li jggib l-attivita’ fi tmiema.
L-Unions kollha ser jippreparaw slogans huma stess u ghaldaqstant hadd ma ghandu jiehu inizzjattivi personali.
It-trade unions iheggu lill-haddiema, il-pensjonanti, u l-familji taghhom biex jattendu bi hgarhom ghal din id-demostrazzjoni ta’ protesta.
A Camilleri
Nov 12th 2008, 16:11
@ J cassar castaldi, etc etc etc...
I remember what happened some 10 years ago ta!!!!
I am not going into details as to the tariffs that were going to be imposed by the then Labour administration. But I just want to remind you that your Union, the GWU during that time refused to participate in similar protests, with a lousy excuse that a report was being prepared. This time there was no need for a report!! Alla jbierek!!!!
The UHM and CMTU are the only Unions which took action under both PN and MLP!
M'hemmx x'taghmel Sur Cassar castaldi etc etc etc... il-Union tieghek ghada trid timmatura!
Il-Union indipendenti m'ghandhomx bzonn ic-certifikat tieghek! Ara ahna , l-haddiema z-zghar mal-UHM qed ninghaqdu!
Muscat.Pat
Nov 12th 2008, 16:07
@E.Gatt
It is always commendable to have small governments and let private citizens do what they know how to do best ;free enterprise. However, I am not sure that the government in Malta went from BIG to SMALL in the last twenty years. If, I am not mistaken there are still 37,000 people employed with the "small" government, and thats a lot of BIG government for a small island of 400,000 people. Indeed, one local news paper, MALTATODAY, even suggested that the "small" government employed an other 1000 people in its re-run to the elections. So,people like you and me, still have to wait for the local" Reagan" to come along, (God bless his soul), but at the rate we.re goin its gong to be light years away...because of political
expedience!
A Tabone
Nov 12th 2008, 15:59
@IGalea
Please STOP making political comments. The protest is clearly a non-political manifestation.
Everyone should attend, even those who voted for PN. It does not mean that whoever voted for PN agrees with everything it does. Your biased comments will create unneccessary reactions.
I think this stance has clearly demonstrated that UHM and CMTU are truely and really independent, since they're the only Unions who protested under ALL governments when unrealistic tariffs were imposed. Prosit to Gejtu Vella (who was unneccessarily and unethically attacked in last Sunday's GWU newspaper) and William of the CMTU.
Maybe the GWU should learn from all this and start by telling its editor to stop publish childish and stupid attacks against UHM's secretary general on its own newspapers.
Thank you
J Cassar Castaldi
Nov 12th 2008, 15:55
@ Mr A Camilleri
You are very wrong. Under the labour administration the tariffs were peanuts compared to what we have to face now.
As for the GWU/UHM I remember quite well. The GWU was instrumental to bring about the best working benefits in Malta for all the maltese workers. As regards to your UHM leaders up to now i have only heard them trying to justify Gonzi's intended hardships bhal ross bil-labra.
lata inm bringing about in theis was part and parcel of the high standard of work and woof
lgalea
Nov 12th 2008, 15:45
To all the Gonzipn apologist elves, with your arguments you seem to be pretty well-off. The rest aren't and will continue to take part in demonstrations against your Gonzipn whether you and your party likes it or not.
A Camilleri
Nov 12th 2008, 15:32
@ Ivan galea,
We are still awaiting your apology to Gejtu Vella for insinuating that he was doing nothing against the W/E tariffs.....
Come on.... He gave a reply.....
Ivan Galea
Nov 12th 2008, 15:20
Dear Times editor,
I do hope that you are taking note of the continual inflow of messages supporting this event and calling for a unified front against this government measure...If NOT DO SO and report it accordingly in your authorative newspaper...
Kirill Micallef Stafrace
Nov 12th 2008, 15:18
well done for putting our country first
Anthony Roberts
Nov 12th 2008, 14:47
At last the Country is moving to protect herself. Well done all Unions.
EDWIN DE MARCO
Nov 12th 2008, 14:26
Nearly all the unions are doing their very best to protect the citizens from the coming hefty & catastrophic W&E tariffs; for this everybody should be grateful. Time will prove GonziPN wrong as all the Maltese apolitical economists are not agreeing with the preposterous, proposed tariffs by Dr.Austere Gatt. One last word about the increase in W&E tariffs. As yet, nobody from the government side has ventured to state the EXACT increase in %. Dr.Joseph Muscat has said it is 194% but I beg to differ. My calculations have given me a 204% increase; and this as long as one is given the 20% reduction & keeping in mind that the benchmark of 1500kWh per person has not been exceeded. Moreso, if the 20% reduction is to be given ONLY on electricity consumption & not on water consumption too, the percentage will go up more than 204%!
By the way, I do appreciate the invaluable advice being given on local TV by experts (as always the best in the whole wide world) to economise on electricity consumption.
J. Scicluna
Nov 12th 2008, 14:23
Well done to all unions - that should be the strategy from now onwards irrespective of the party in goivernment. I urge all unions to take any actions that they deem necessary for the protection of our families.
@ Dr Gonzi et - theatrics my foot !
E Gatt
Nov 12th 2008, 13:14
(cont.)
I am sure that this Friday’s protest will be well attended, but while demonstrating on Friday, please ask yourselves. Will the Protest reduce Malta’s dependency on oil? Am I encouraging a total disregard of our international obligations to combat climate change by demanding unrealistically low rates? Am I not being arrogant and unfair asking my neighbour to pay for my consumption? Will I still grumble if the government is forced to raise the VAT rate or income tax to sustain subsidised tariffs? Will I still grumble if the government is forced to cut back on investments to subsidise my consumption?
E Gatt
Nov 12th 2008, 13:13
I admit that I am probably one of the few who are not thrilled to pay higher rates but at the same time are not against paying realistic bills. Big governments are tax-hungry animals. A number of reforms have been implemented in the last few years, but there continues to be political resistance to trim government to size. There are many people who believe that individuals are not mature enough to manage their own finances and need government to tax them and then subsidize everything they consume. When people do not take ownership of their own responsibilities they regress to living a life which is full of illusions. One of these illusions is that they believe things in life are in unlimited supply and come free or subsidised. They accuse others for being arrogant for not giving them hand-outs. They want to have the cake and eat it.
J Spiteri
Nov 12th 2008, 13:12
That is how it should be!!! stick together for a good cause, work as one team.
Catherine Farrugia
Nov 12th 2008, 12:59
Well done. This is what democracy is all about more participation of citizens in politics and it is about time that we stop the extreme arrogance of the Prime Minsiter. I hope that all those who feel Maltese Patriots will participate in this demonstration.
A Camilleri
Nov 12th 2008, 12:58
@ Mr J Cassar Castaldi , Torregiani, Bonello, etc etc etc....
The UHM & CMTU were consistent throughout under both powers. They can boast to the largest truly independent unions in Malta which protested under ALL governments.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said of your Union, the GWU! If you remember well, when under the Labour administration there were similar tarrifs, the GWU refused to participate, witht the premise that it was preparing a study!!!!! Allura in this case, did it prepare a study???
PROSIT UHM & CMTU _ You are the truly independnet Unions in Malta
Not even the MUMN participated in the protest organised during the Labour administration. However this time, everyone want to protest!!!
albert leone ganado
Nov 12th 2008, 12:50
I think that it is really a historic day that the unions managed to create a common front. Let us hope that this will eventually lead to a trade union council incorporating all the unions.
However I personally feel they chose the wrong issue on which to show their solidarity.
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 12th 2008, 12:18
It's NOT VERY difficult for the GWU to protest once there is the PN in government. The GWU's has difficulties when there is a Labour government.
C FENECH
Nov 12th 2008, 12:04
Wise decision by all concerned. If only could the major unions stop bickering, and attack the "common enemy", on a common front, who ever that may be. Let's face it...we will all be paying the hefty utility rates, blue red or green.......does anyone enjoy paying extra from a reducing salary?
The common citizens must understand that showing our disagreement with the incumbent Government does not mean, that by default, we are supporting the Opposition or vice versa. All politicans must learn to respect the voters throught their term in office.
C. Attard
Nov 12th 2008, 11:53
WELL DONE TO ALL OF YOU! I AM PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF GWU! AND ALL THE MEMBERS OF OTHER UNIONS TAKING PART SHOULD BE PROUD TOO! And were are the GRTU???????????????????????
John Borg
Nov 12th 2008, 11:29
If I was the government I would go ahead and reduce the utility rates and then promptly raise income tax or start closing polyclinics or raise the tax on fuel to compensate for the added expenditure. Maybe some people will then realize that what goes around comes around.
M Briffa
Nov 12th 2008, 11:22
J cassar Castaldi your comments are divisive. THE uhm have deen consistant on water and electricity tariffs whether under a LABOUR gov and a Nationalist one, The one who called a referendun to call an early is only thinking in a political way. Political parties once in Gov act differently as in opposition. I appeal to the GWU to see how the UHM acts under different Gov and acts accordingly when time come. Gejtu Vella have shown what a real Tradeunionist should be like
Emmanuel Xuereb
Nov 12th 2008, 11:18
Prosit Tony and Gejtu. Blue and White Collar workers have to stay together. Let us stay united. We have had more than enough.
Charles.j.Schembri
Nov 12th 2008, 10:50
Karl Abela...you have a very short memory as you seem to forget the 1998....when labour was in government...........you were not wiser then.....yes fully agree with you we all should use our brains, like we should have done in the ELECTION...........and nor are the GonziPN paying for my bills now.....and if you know for certainty that the oil is going to hit the roof...please ....please tell gonzi and gatt that, so we don't have to pay much more then what we are paying today...........
J Cassar Castaldi
Nov 12th 2008, 10:11
Well done GWU. You have led by example and others have followed suit. Let's hope that the UHM intentions are good. Have they finally decided to do their duty to their members and not justify issues against the working class by the PN.
Joseph Micallef
Nov 12th 2008, 10:07
I'm a traditional Nationalist, but I will not condone the government's behaviour. And the Prime Minister calling these theatrics. These heavy handed tactics are a throwback to very unpleasant days. We are hurting Prime Minister. With these measures you choke us and our economy, while you miserably fail to put your own house in order. This arrogance must stop. We believed in you. Give us reason not to doubt that.
thomas dimech
Nov 12th 2008, 10:00
It is amazing to see no comments on this issue today. where's everybody!
Robert Cassar
Nov 12th 2008, 09:45
We can protest all the we want however the government does not care about what we think.. ghandu mandat hux.. Unions do not have it however they can gather signatures and if there will be enough a referendum could be called which can call for an early election. Il PN qed jimxi ezatt kief kien Alfred Sant and we all know the history. Dr Gonzi the people are crying and you should listen to us.