GWU accuses government of holding talks behind its back

The General Workers' Union has accused the government of undermining social dialogue by holding separate talks with employers on the new energy rates.

The union said that despite various organisations' calls for an urgent meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development to discuss the tariffs, it had now been told that Finance Minister Tonio Fenech had held talks separately with the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, the Malta Employers' Association and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association "behind its back".

"The government's attitude is nothing but an undermining of social dialogue in our country," the GWU complained.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Finance said it was normal practice for the ministry to hold talks with important economic sectors.

But the GWU is still insisting with MCESD chairman Sonny Portelli for an urgent meeting of the council and for a re-port on the tariffs' impact on workers and industry to be drafted.

The new rates, announced last week, involve increases ranging from a minimum of €8 for three-person households to €175 for families of five or more.