New tariffs are 'further evidence of arrogance' - GWU

The General Workers' Union said today that the new water and electricity tariffs, announced yesterday, were further evidence of arrogance by the government, which had ignored social dialogue.

It said that the government had decided on its own, without considering the hardship which the new tariffs would cause.

The union said the tariffs, rubber stamped by the Resources Authority, would see thousands of households paying more for the utilities. The cost of living allowance and subsidies announced in the Budget would, therefore, be quickly eaten away.

The union insisted that the Resources Authority had been morally obliged to consult the social partners before taking its decisions.

It also noted the introduction of a new sewage tax which will be fully subsidised by the government, and said this was only the first step for this tax to become another burden on the people in the future.