'Public protest on utility rates is politically neutral'

The public protest against the utility tariffs burdening workers and families was not political and would be held to make the government realise the difficulties they were causing, one of the promoters said.

"It is not a matter of politics or being against any political party. The manifestation is all about jobs and the effect these tariffs are having on workers, their families, pensioners, widows and single parents. We are extending our invitation to all political parties," John Bencini, chairman of the Għaqda Unions Maltin (GħUM), said.

The protest is being organised by the 10 unions, which form part of the Forum of Trade Unions, and the General Workers' Union. It will be held in Valletta on February 28.

In a meeting with Labour leader Joseph Muscat yesterday, Mr Bencini and a delegation that included GWU general secretary Tony Zarb, formally invited Labour to attend the protest. On Sunday, Dr Muscat pledged the party would participate in the event.

Mr Bencini said the protest would call on MPs to think carefully about the additional burden the rates placed on families before they cast their vote at the end of a parliamentary debate on the tariffs, which starts the day after the protest.

The protest will also urge political parties to give their MPs a free vote on the motion presented by Labour, which calls for the tariffs to be revised.

He said the water and electricity tariffs would impose an extra burden estimated at €81 million.

A report commissioned by the GħUM showed a three-person household had to fork out an average of €120 more every year than it did as the rates stood last April, even when considering the energy benefits given by the government and the drop in consumption brought about by the higher rates.

The report says six-person households will have to pay almost €300 more and households with seven people or more will see their water and electricity bills shoot up by over €1,600.

In accepting the invitation, Dr Muscat said such demonstrations were often held in the EU and were the basis of freedom of expression.

The tariffs, he added, had undermined families and businesses that not only had to bear the brunt of the hike but were faced with less disposable income.

He said he would have expected the government to learn from what had happened in 2008 and this time hold meaningful dialogue with the social partners. But this did not happen.

He said there was uncertainty over whether gas prices would increase and whether the interest charge of six per cent for the late payment of utility bills was going to affect the estimates rather than the actual reading.

Mr Bencini said the unions were inviting all political parties to take part but so far Labour was the only one to give them an appointment for a meeting to deliver the invitation.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of Maltese Trade Unions, with the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin as its largest affiliate, said it would not be attending the protest because it believed discussions should continue around a table rather than by taking to the streets in protest.

UĦM general secretary Gejtu Vella said the priority for all trade unions should be the generation of job opportunities and the protection of employment.