UĦM demands proper price mechanism

The Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin wants a proper mechanism to protect consumers from price increases, general secretary Gejtu Vella said yesterday.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Vella said the country required something similar to the mechanism put in place before and after the euro's introduction.

He expressed hope that the government would live up to its commitment to turn the National Euro Changeover Committee to an agency to monitor price fluctuations.

Mr Vella said the cost of living in Malta was increasing at a faster pace than other countries, adding such a mechanism would ensure a watchful eye is kept on these price movements.

On the cost of living adjustment granted by the government at every budget, Mr Vella said a balance had to be sought between compensating people for the rise in the cost of living and the protection of jobs. He said all stakeholders had to be involved in the debate on this matter. Mr Vella said the union was pleased the pre-Budget document had focused on economic growth, employment and social cohesion as they were issues the union had been harping on for a long time.

Despite an increase in unemployment, jobs were still being created, he noted.

The union was now looking at recommendations made by the International Labour Organisation on how the recovery from the international crisis could be adapted to the national situation.

The 10th edition of UĦM Fest will take place between today and tomorrow in front of Ta' Fra Ben in Qawra.