An invitation to set up a Trade Union Council yesterday attracted strong interest from one major union but only a lukewarm response from the other. The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT), which made the call, said it would hold an introductory meeting at the Teachers' Institute in Valletta on December 5 to discuss ideas for the eventual formation of such a council.

The call is inspired by last Friday's demonstration by 20 unions which came together for the first time united by a common cause - to protest against the new water and electricity tariffs and persuade the government to revise them.

The MUT said attending the meeting will be considered an expression of interest from trade unions. "The MUT believes there is enough common ground for such a formation. The recent collaboration between all trade unions augurs well for the creation of a structure or forum where local trade unions may enhance cooperation between themselves," MUT president John Bencini said.

However, when contacted, the general secretary of the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin, Gejtu Vella, stressed that the union's priority right now was the revision of the utility tariffs not the formation of a TUC.

"We have to make sure the TUC is in the best interests of workers. Is one body and one voice in their best interests? For the time being it's not on our agenda, nor is it a priority," said Mr Vella, adding that despite this he planned to attend the meeting.

On the other hand, General Workers' Union general secretary Tony Zarb said this was a very interesting proposal and the union would definitely attend the meeting to see how this council could be built.

He added that although previous attempts to set up this council had failed, he was more hopeful this time in light of the unity shown at the protest.