10 years ago - The Times
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Utility rate revisions: One meeting, two versions
Unions yesterday declared victory in their battle against the new energy bills as confusion reigned last night over whether the regulator will be revising the bills that have already been issued.
While the 11 unions claimed to have been promised backdated adjustments by the Malta Resources Authority, the regulator categorically denied this. In fact, MRA chairman Carmel Ellul told The Times that retroactivity is not even mentioned in the authority’s law – raising doubts on whether the regulator has authority over these bills.
‘Substantial’ downsizing at STMicroelectronics
Chip maker STMicroelectronics has finally confirmed it will be downsizing its large operation in Malta after months of speculation, in line with its worldwide cost reduction programme announced on Tuesday. In a presentation to investors, ST’s chief financial officer Carlo Ferro said ST will be shedding 3,500 manufacturing jobs, which would include a “substantial downsizing of the assembly operation in Malta”.
25 years ago - The Times
Monday, January 31, 1994
PM accuses drydocks of violating human right
Accusing Malta Drydocks of violating fundamental rights, the Prime Minister warned yesterday that political remedies might have to be resorted to if the drydocks continued to deny overtime to a worker for his political beliefs. He did not specify what remedies he had in mind, but said that although legal measures had been taken, discrimination was continuing and a fundamental right was being denied.
Dr Fenech Adami was speaking at the annual general conference of the Nationalist Party Youth Movement (MŻPN) which approved a motion taking the drydocks to task for discriminating against workers for their political beliefs and for not being GWU members. The Employment Commission on October 15 found the dockyard guilty of discriminating against two workers – Nardu Incorvaja and Anthony Meli.
Referring to another motion calling for a referendum on membership of the European Union once membership negotiations are concluded, Dr Fenech Adami said he respected the MŻPN’s opinion but constitutionally there was no need for a referendum and the people had shown in three consecutive elections that they wanted membership of the EU.
Half a century ago - Times of Malta
Friday, January 31, 1969
PM optimistic on entry into Common Market
Prime Minister Dr G. Borg Olivier said on his return from France yesterday that, without committing the French government or the ministers with whom he had discussions, he felt that the “chances that Malta’s application for some form of relationship with the Common Market would be favourably considered were better than ever before”.
Dr Borg Olivier said the EEC Commission had completed its report on Malta’s application; he hoped that this would be passed on to the Council of Ministers for discussion and consideration shortly.
Taiwan engineers helping PWD complete regional road
Work on the Sliema Regional Road, which started some seven years ago, has reached a fairly advanced stage, according to a Public Works Department spokesman.
Fang En-Hsu, leader of a five-member team of construction engineers from Nationalist China, who are here to supervise work on bridges and tunnels on the Regional Road, said they expected to see most of the work completed before they leave in two years’ time.