The Finance Ministry said today that while the GWU had decided to take part in a protest over the utility tariffs, it had boycotted fruitful talks held with the other members of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development on the same tariffs.

The GWU yesterday joined 11 other unions - which are not members of the MCESD - in announcing the protest which will be held on February 28.

The Finance Ministry said that during the MCESD meeting which the GWU stayed away from, agreement was reached on how the government would work to safeguard jobs and competitiveness and hold talks on easing the impact of the new tariffs on various sectors of the economy.

Last week, a basis of agreement was reached with the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.

The ministry said its direct measures last year had saved 2,500 jobs and such measures would continue to be taken this year where firms appeared to be in particular danger.

Furthermore, apart from the €5.82 cost of living increase, families would be receiving a special allowance which would consist of €30 for every household and an additional €25 per person in that household.

While the government and the social partners were around a table agreeing on this way forward, the GWU stayed away, the Finance Ministry said. It failed to make its voice heard, but now it was calling on the people to demonstrate.