Video: Trade unions call for meeting with the PM

The trade unions this evening called for fresh talks with the Prime Minister over the utility tariffs.

The request was made in a resolution approved by show of hands at the end of a demonstration in Valletta which, for the first time, was jointly organised by the GWU, the UHM and 18 other trade unions.

The resolution said that the new tariffs imposed a heavy burden on workers, pensioners and their families and would have a negative impact on the cost of living .

It condemned the way how the government conducted talks with the social partners, undermining the way social dialogue should be conducted. The resolution called for fresh talks with Dr Gonzi.

Leading the demonstration - which was far smaller than the MLP manifestation on Sunday - were the leaders of the unions, who walked behind a banner reading: Il-unions kontra il-pizijiet tat-tariffi (The unions against the burden of the tariffs).

Also in the crowd were officials of the MLP, and former Prime Minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici.

Some of the people taking part carried placards reading: Government without brakes, Outcry!, You spend, we pay, Le daqqiet, and le kontijiet (No blows and no bills).