Chamber shuns tariffs protest
The Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry will not be taking part in the protest over the new water and electricity tariffs because it believes the problem should be solved through dialogue.
The Chamber yesterday turned down an invitation by a group of 11 unions organising the protest, the Għaqda Unions Maltin, saying it preferred "different" ways of lobbying for its causes.
In fact, the Chamber is having talks with the government on a number of points, including proposed ways to support or mitigate the negative effects of the tariffs.
Chamber director general Kevin Borg said the way to solve such problems was through constant dialogue.
So far, only the Labour Party and Alternattiva Demokratika have decided to join the protest on February 28 in Valletta.
The Confederation of Malta Trade Unions, which includes the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin and the Medical Association of Malta, has already declared it will not be attending, deeming street protests as causing more harm than good.
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association is still undecided.
Mr Borg yesterday pointed out that the utility tariffs caused a burden on the productive sector. "We believe that the tariffs will have an inflationary effect, which would hamper competitiveness and, for employers, comes over and above the unprecedented cost of living adjustment."
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g.c.Forte
Feb 19th 2010, 16:48
@ G. Schembri.............What a good argument you made...how come it never came to my mind...Prosit......I am going to write it so I do not forget it.........Any comments on this one P.N.apologists. I am ready with my pen.
victor caruana
Feb 19th 2010, 16:40
@ I Galea sieheb you misread my comment. I am actually lambasting the GWU overall for its feeble public relations and low credibility. The GWU should not attack Gejtu Vella, who is playing court to the Government, as an individual but target its criticism at all those institutions who used to label themselves free. Why should the GWU struggle to make its point in this issue when it. It is so obvious that Governemnt is so inefficient that even enemalta's accounts do not support the increased tariffs. ' Where are the free unions' should be the battle cry of the forum.
G.Schembri
Feb 19th 2010, 16:33
"So far, only the Labour Party and Alternattiva Demokratika have decided to join the protest on February 28 in Valletta"
Results of FIRST COUNT VOTES General Elections 2008.
MLP 141888 votes + AD 3810 votes = 145698 votes
PN 143468 votes
Since as PN are always saying votes are more important than Members in Parliament Dr Gonzi has no choice but hear what PL and AD TOGETHER are saying because they have the majority of votes.
Mark Borg
Feb 19th 2010, 14:53
Is it dialogue or is it monologue the government is interested in?
laurence schembri
Feb 19th 2010, 14:12
Protests are a democratic right, talk is cheap.
C.camilleri
Feb 19th 2010, 12:53
Why am I not surprised?
It would have been a surprise had the decision been different.
Lawrence Fenech
Feb 19th 2010, 12:12
WHAT DIALOGUE ?
alfred micallef
Feb 19th 2010, 10:50
Of course Mr kevin borg and people like him dont agree with the protest why dont they tell us how much they get paid ,the new tariffs wont effect them.And why has GRTU stopped whining how the electricity bills will effect retailers?The maltese people have a right to protest like other countries in the EU
lgalea
Feb 19th 2010, 10:31
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.
Thomas Jefferson
lgalea
Feb 19th 2010, 10:29
Let's see if the members of the Chamber will try to discharge workers and shed their tears about having to pay higher tariffs. If they do not protest they are happy with paying higher tariffs and they have no problems in paying them.
victor caruana perhaps you are one of the better-off and you don't feel the pinch, but the vast majority of Maltese citizens feel it. Let's see if you and other pn apologists protest about anything under the sun when there is a PL government following the next general election.
Anthony Mizzi
Feb 19th 2010, 09:37
Words that still ring true today.
-----------------
We who in engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive.
- Martin Luther King Jr. 1929-1968, American Black Leader, Nobel Prize Winner, 1964
victor caruana
Feb 19th 2010, 09:28
The GWU really never learns. When are they going to learn and stuff it in their brains that it is useless to invite any institution that is not free from this government's grasp. I am sure if GWU ignored these shackled bodies, the latter would protest and ask why?
Some pep is needed in the GWU PR. They can counterattack with the 'free unions' slogan. Where are you scoopy doos?