Associations representing employers and businesses have decided to stay away from next Friday’s demonstration against the utility tariffs and the budget.

Vince Farrugia, director-general of the GRTU, said that the Chamber was an employers’ association and it was not its practice to take part in events such as this. However, the GRTU was not holding its members from taking part in the manifestation on a personal capacity, if they wished.

Kevin Borg, director-general of the Chamber of Commerce, also said the chamber would not take part. Referring to an earlier statement by the Chamber, he said that within the tight financial constraints and pressures to eliminate subsidies almost completely, the chamber was convinced it managed to obtain as much cushioning as possible through the consultation process. Nevertheless, it remained aware that the cost to operators was going to increase.

Joe Farrugia, director-general of the Malta Employers’ Association, said the association represented corporate members, not individuals, and it believed that there were more constructive measures which could be taken to achieve results.