Tariffs protest: Why some will not be taking part (1)
Once again this week, the General Workers' Union and friends will organise a protest. In itself it is nothing new for the GWU since it has organised various other protests since 1998. Today, the debate among certain unions is the choice between social...
Once again this week, the General Workers' Union and friends will organise a protest. In itself it is nothing new for the GWU since it has organised various other protests since 1998.
Today, the debate among certain unions is the choice between social dialogue and protest. In this regard, any union with lack of self-esteem or lacking negotiation skills would go for the easiest track, that of protests and manifestations. On the other hand, I recall when the GWU was so proud of the same skills that they were part of the Labour Party government Cabinet.
The same proud militant union is choosing the easier way out and instead of using negotiation skills it is choosing to protest again.
In itself, there is nothing wrong in protesting against the new water and electricity tariffs but sometimes it is important not to see beyond the colours of black and white, as experience proves that life is made of shades of grey.
I am sure no one, including myself, would like to pay higher bills but then again we do not want to increase the national deficit. If the government were to go down that road we would soon be hearing stories of pits and holes. In reality, there is nothing more just than the principle of "pay for what you consume". This principle will allow one to control his bills and definitely it has a secondary positive impact on the environment.
The recent world financial crisis is threatening the workers' conditions while causing an increase in unemployment.
Our main question remains: should the government use our financial resources to prevent unemployment or subsidise electricity bills? If I had to choose I would definitely go for preventing unemployment.
On the other hand, the UĦM has managed to persuade the government to refund €10 million to reduce the negative impact of water and electricity bills. It is very easy to protest but it takes more responsibility to enter into meaningful discussions and look for socially just solutions. This is what the UĦM has always striven to accomplish.