The Ta' Qali vegetable market was operating normally this morning as the pitkala (middle men) returned to their stalls. However business was slow, with many farmers having apparently sold their produce directly instead of going to the market.

The middle men went out on strike on Thursday, calling for a higher commission from their sales. They are also in dispute with the government on plans to set up a company to run the vegetable market and introduce greater transparency.

The Rural Affairs Ministry yesterday had said the market would open today and farmers would be assisted to sell their produce if the middlemen did not turn up.

Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino told The Sunday Times that the pitkala would be fined for striking without notice on Thursday, causing damages to the farmers.

The government said it was committed to the interests of the farmers and to bringing about transparency.

See: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120506/local/Pitkalija-strikers-punished-with-harsh-fine.418494

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