Unions call public rally over utility rates

The 11 unions opposing the utility bills are calling on people to take part in a rally on Friday after the revision of the new rates was postponed.

The rally is being held just over three months after trade unions joined forces for the first time and marched in Valletta to ask the government to go back to the negotiation table and revise the water and electricity tariffs.

The meeting did take place and there were some adjustments but while some of the unions taking part in the first rally have accepted them, 11 unions have persevered in their opposition.

The decision to hold a rally was made during a meeting between the unions, held after the Malta Resources Authority announced it will not be reviewing utility tariffs before mid-March.

The authority had originally promised a revision by the end of this month. However, this week it invited stakeholders and the public to come forward with suggestions on the principles that should govern the new tariffs. The consultation period will end on March 4.

The MRA said that it could not review the tariffs before approving the set of principles on which Enemalta will be basing its calculations. This means that the new tariffs are expected to be announced towards the middle of March in line with the government's original declaration that they will be reviewed every six months.

Friday's rally will be held at the Workers Memorial Building at 5.30 p.m.