15 unions for mass protest

Fifteen trade unions and workers' associations have called on their members to attend tomorrow's demonstration against the hike in water and electricity rates and the undermining of social dialogue.

The unions agreed on a resolution during a meeting yesterday, which will be read at the end of the protest in Valletta tomorrow evening.

The unions are: General Workers' Union, Union Ħaddiema Magħ-qudin, Confederation of Malta Trade Unions, Malta Union of Teachers, Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, Malta Union of Bank Employees, Union of Cabin Crew, Airline Pilots' Association, Union of Central Bank Workers, Lotto Receivers' Union, University of Malta Academic Staff Association, Chamber of Pharmacists, Malta Union of Professional Psychologists, UPASP, and Union of Professionals at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

While the GWU urged members to meet at its headquarters in South Street at 5 p.m. and then walk together to the demonstration, other unions called on workers to meet at Freedom Square, Valletta, at 5.30 p.m.

The demonstration will pass through Republic Street, up St John Street and then through Merchants Street where a stage will be set up. After the walk, the resolution will be read out for approval. This will be followed by the national anthem.

The unions urged people not bring any placards or flags for the demonstration - these will be prepared and provided by the unions. Indirectly referring to the protest, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told Parliament last night that the decisions on the water and electricity tariffs were taken with an eye on safeguarding jobs and competitiveness.

"My appeal to the trade unions is to understand me. I cannot accept requests which will hurt places of work and undermine competitiveness,"

Dr Gonzi said. Asked to react to the show of unity by the unions, the Office of the Prime Minister said the MCESD had proven to be a crucial development for constructive social dialogue and had served to bring together trade unions and employers' associations around one table in the country's best interests.

"The government pledges its commitment to continue seeking the position of its social partners through the MCESD and all other structures available to it," it said.