'GWU should debate not protest'

The Finance Ministry has criticised the General Workers' Union's plans to take part in a protest against water and electricity tariffs since it failed to attend meetings which discussed the rates.

The GWU decided to boycott a Malta Council for Economic and Social Development meeting last month, saying it did not want to rubber stamp decisions that had already been taken.

The union then joined 11 other unions, which are not members of the MCESD, to announce a protest against the tariffs on February 28.

The government insisted that it was open to discussions and, just last week, a basis of agreement was reached with the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.

The ministry said its direct action last year had saved 2,500 jobs and such measures would continue to be taken this year where firms appeared to be in particular danger.