GWU says government discussing tariffs with employers behind its back
The GWU has accused the government of trying to undermine social dialogue and the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development by having separate talks with employers' organisations on the new utility tariffs.
The union said a number of organisations had called for an urgent meeting of the MCESD to discuss the tariffs, but it had now been told that Finance Minister Tonio Fenech had held talks separately with the Chamber of Commerce, the GRTU, the Employers' Association and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants' Association.
The GWU said it was still calling on MCESD chairman Sonny Portelli to convene the council for an urgent meeting.
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Keith Davis
Dec 23rd 2009, 09:58
Dear Adrian, I agree with you that wages are lower then other EU member states. Though how would that come in when purchasing our oil for energy from foreign oil companies. Should they pity our low wages and reduce the cost for us? Hilarious!
adrian aquilina
Dec 22nd 2009, 20:52
i agree with franco...without protests nothing changes anywhere..its an important right to show you do not agree..all other countries do it...the smallest country with theb highest bills..thats not right and as wages are so small and so many old people just on a pension it is just unacceptable.as usual we pay for bad management..is there no vote of no confidence in malta?
it was the over taxing and bills that got rid of thatcher in u.k. either the p.n. start caring about the people who live here or someone else should take over and sort this huge mess we are in..
A. Calleja
Dec 22nd 2009, 19:53
The truth is that we are between a rock and a hard place. We either pay higher taxes or pay full for our purchases (that is without subsidies). We pay enough in taxes thank you. With all the tax evasion going on, it is fair that we pay full for what we consume. Let us not bury our heads in the sand. We have to pay for the energy we consume at the end - directly or indirectly. The unions can take to the streets as much as they want but if they strike, we just have to add the cost of the damage they cause. It is the population that has to carry the can at the end of the day. Some may get political mileage out of such protests but it stops there. ...or does it? ...no....I am sure that after such shortsighted action, those who vote with their head and not with their heart will have no option but to vote in favour of the PN, next time around. There is no escape. The only solution is consume less and pay less.
wally vella-zarb
Dec 22nd 2009, 19:45
@ Keith Davies
If you read and understand what is written in the article above, it would appear that it is the government, through its control over the MCESD, that seems to be reluctant "to discuss and put an argument round a table".
Keith Davis
Dec 22nd 2009, 19:31
Bla Bla Bla Mr.Franco Dimech
Militancy is for those who are not able to discuss and put an argument round a table.
Franco Dimech
Dec 22nd 2009, 17:37
Why is the GWU surprised at the Government's attitude? That's a typical devious trait of the PN Government - rather than face a group collectively, try to erode confidence by meeting with individual members who directly or indirectly have always supported the government . There's only one course of action and we rely on the EMPLOYEES' unions to take it in hand: Organise a general strike and let all the workers walk to Castille to protest.
Galea. L
Dec 22nd 2009, 17:34
Shades of Terinu, the deposing of Gorg Borg Olivier, Joe Borg.....