Unions write to Gonzi on eco reduction beneficiaries

The 11 unions opposing the new utility tariffs yesterday wrote to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi over the number of people benefitting from the eco reduction.

The unions insisted that according to a study they commissioned, the eco reduction would exclude a substantial number of people, including one-and two-person households, most of whom are pensioners.

Earlier this week, the unions accused Dr Gonzi of twisting figures and blowing out of proportion the percentage of families that would benefit from the eco reduction scheme. According to the government, 73 per cent of families would benefit since their consumption is below the 1,700 unit threshold.

The unions are arguing that the 73-per-cent figure includes summer residences, vacant houses and even garages with electricity meters.

In their letter, the unions highlighted discrepancies between what Dr Gonzi had told them during the meetings and the workings of the utility tariffs compiled by auditors KPMG.

The unions urged the government to reconsider and to give them a positive reply.

The letter was signed by the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, Malta Union of Teachers, General Workers' Union, Union of Cabin Crew, Union Ħaddiema Bank Ċentrali, Union Technical and Clerical Mepa, Union Professjonisti Awtoritá għall-Ambjent u Ippjanar, University of Malta Academic Staff Association, Airline Pilots Association, Union Periti u Inġiniera Servizz Pubbliku and the Association of Airline Engineers.