MHRA undecided on participation in tariffs protest

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants' Association still has to decide whether or not to take part in the February 28 trade unions protest over the utility tariffs.

Tony Zarb, on behalf of the Ghaqda Unions Maltin, organisers of the protest, this afternoon presented the MHRA with a formal invitation to take part.

He said that although the MHRA had reached an agreement in principle with the governemnt on measures to ease the impact of the tariffs, there was no doubt that the new tariffs would have a negative impact on the tourism industry and on society in general.

MHRA CEO George Schembri said the association was still awaiting replies from the government in order to finalise the agreement, and the MHRA council would then decide whether or not the MHRA should participate or not.

Informed sources said the mitigation measures discussed between the governemnt and the MHRA include government assistance for the hoteliers to install clean energy sources, thus reducing their utility bills.