Category: Archive – 2006

Euro Commerce tintervjeni biex tissapportja l-complaint tal-GRTU

Il-GRTU qed tikkontesta quddiem il-Kummissarju ghall-Kompetizjoni tal-EU Nellie Kroes, il-mod kif l-Ufficju tal-Kompetizzjoni Gusta f’Malta qed jitmexxa.

Il-GRTU wkoll mexxiet l-kwistjoni quddiem l-Euro Commerce il-federazzjoni ewropeja li tirraprezenta l-organizazzjonijiet Nazzjonali fl-istati membri tal-EU li jirraprezentaw in-negozji kummercjali.

Il-Euro Commerce qed tappella lil-Kummissarju Kroes biex tinvestiga kif il-gvern Malta qed ihaddem l-Ufficcju tal-Kummerc Gust f’Malta.

Illum it-Tnejn, 20 ta’ Marzu 2006 fil-11.15am

Il-GRTU qed tiltaqa’ mal-ghola awtoritajiet tal-pajjiz bil-ghan li tizgura li din is-sena tkun is-sena li vera taghmel id-differenza ghan-negozji zghar u medji Maltin u Ghawdxin. Hekk kif nersqu lejn it-tieni anniversarju ta’ Malta fl-Unjoni Ewropea il-GRTU temmen li jista’ jsir hafna aktar biex in-negozji zghar u medji Maltin u Ghawdxin ihossu positivament il-vantaggi tas-shubija. Il-kampanja tal-GRTU bdiet f’Jannar bil-presenza tal-Prim Ministru l-Onor Lawrence Gonzi fil-Konferenza Annwali tal-GRTU u ser tkompli llum fil-laqgha mal-President ta’ Malta.

Illum it-Tnejn, 20 ta’ Marzu 2006 fil-11.15am

Il-GRTU qed tiltaqa’ mal-ghola awtoritajiet tal-pajjiz bil-ghan li tizgura li din is-sena tkun is-sena li vera taghmel id-differenza ghan-negozji zghar u medji Maltin u Ghawdxin. Hekk kif nersqu lejn it-tieni anniversarju ta’ Malta fl-Unjoni Ewropea il-GRTU temmen li jista’ jsir hafna aktar biex in-negozji zghar u medji Maltin u Ghawdxin ihossu positivament il-vantaggi tas-shubija. Il-kampanja tal-GRTU bdiet f’Jannar bil-presenza tal-Prim Ministru l-Onor Lawrence Gonzi fil-Konferenza Annwali tal-GRTU u ser tkompli llum fil-laqgha mal-President ta’ Malta.

Hawn taht issib id-diskors tal-okkazjoni tal-President tal-GRTU Paul Abela.
EMBARGO: 11.30am

Ghaziz President, hu unur ghalija, bhala President tal-GRTU, li nindirizzak f’din l-ewwel okkazzjoni ufficjali li l-Kunsill tal-GRTU qed jiltaqgha mieghek. Nirringrazzjak li accettajt l-istedina taghna u nghidlek mal-ewwel ghaliex xtaqna din il-laqgha.

Il-GRTU, kif taf int, hadet sehem attiv u, nghid wkoll, decisiva, waqt in-negozjati biex Malta tissieheb fl-Unjoni Ewropeja. L-analizi ekonomici li kellna f’idejna kienu qed juru bic-car li l-ekonomija Maltija, mhaddma kif kienet fuq il-kuncett tal-mixed economy, kienet wasslet fi sqaq.

Il-kumbinazzjoni ta’ protezzjoni ghall-operaturi li jahdmu ghas-suq lokali, u liberalizazzjoni fejn tidhol intrapriza li timmira lejn l-esportazzjoni, akkumpanjata minn livell qawwi ta’ interventi mill-gvern, u l-awtoritajiet kwazi gvern, fit-thaddim tal-ekonomija, kienu wasslu lil ekonomija fi stat ta’ no-growth. Nemmnu li ghalhekk li d-dejn nazzjonali beda tiela’ b’rati mhux accetabbli, li riflessjoni tal- izbilanc qawwi bejn dak li l-gvern jonfoq u dak li l-gvern idahhal, sitwazzjoni li tigbah lil dik ta dak li jrid jibqa’ jghix komdu imma m’ghandux mezzi biex johloq introjtu biex isostni l-kumdita’ tieghu.

Kien jidher car li Malta htieget strategiji godda li jifthu opportunitajiet ghal tkabbir gdid tal-ekonomija Maltija. L-analizi tal-ekonomist taghna uriet li t-triq ewlenija kienet il-partecipazzjoni ta’ Malta fis-suq kbir Ewropew. Dan kien ifisser shubija fl-Unjoni Ewropeja. Dan kien ifisser li Malta riedet twettaq program mahsub ta’ re-allokazzjoni ta’ rizorsi kemm umani kif ukoll finanzjarji u ta’ rizorsi ohra biex l-ghanijiet mixtieqa jintlahqu. Kien ifisser fuq kollox bidla kbira fil-mentalita’ ta’ hafna sidien ta’ intraprizi Maltin, tal-impjegati tal-gvern u tal-haddiema in generali. Ghalina fil-GRTU kien ifisser li ridna nfasslu strategija bil-ghaqal kemm waqt in-negozjati, kif wkoll qabel nidhlu, u aktar u aktar ghal wara li nidhlu. Kburin li kellna strategija bhal din.

Ghax il-GRTU ma bezghatx minn din l-istrategija mehtiega. Ma bezghatx mill-problemi kbar li t-twettiq ta’ din l-istrategija kienet ser tghabbina bihom. Hassejna li bhala mexxejja ta’ settur hekk importanti ghal pajjizna – dak ta’ negozji u sidien ta’ intraprizi zghar minn kull settur tal-ekonomija – ghax, Sur President, illum bi kburija nghidu, li minn organizazzjoni tan-nies tal-hwienet, illum il-GRTU firxet fuq kull qasam tal-intrapriza hu x’inhu s-settur, frixna ghal kull tip ta’ negozju fejn hemm sid li jmexxi hu, – iva, hassejna, bhala mexxejja, li lin-nies taghna nigwidawhom u nghinuhom jimxu fit-triq li hi fl-ahjar interess taghhom, tan-negozju taghhom, tal-familji taghhom u tal-impjegati taghhom u l-familji taghhom.

Illum, Sur President, gejna hawn, biex mieghek, li hdimt tant biex l-opportunita Ewropeja saret realta’, niflu flimkien, hekk kif wasalna ghat-tieni anniversarju ta’ Malta fl-Unjoni Ewropeja, x’jista’ jsir biex l-aspirazzjoni taghna, dik li naghmlu lil Malta zona mill-aktar kompettiva fis-Suq Wiehed Ewropew, issir realta’.

F’dawn is-sentejn, Sur President, hdimna hafna. Jien personalment relattivament gdid, hafna mill-membri tal-Kunsill Ezekuttiv ukoll huma godda, pero naf b’liema dedikazzjoni dawk ta’ qabli u d-Direttur Generali, in partikulari, hadmu biex illum wasalna fejn ahna llum. Illum il-GRTU mhux biss hi membru attiv hafna tal-MCESD u hi involuta f’kull livell ta’ kunsultazzjoni, Dan ukoll barra x-xoghol kbir li ghandna u li dejjem jikber biex inzommu firxa ta’ aktar minn 7,000 negozju u sid ta’ intraprizi infurmat u ppreparat. Illum ahna, barra minn dan, llahqu wkoll mal-impenji ma jieqfu qatt tas-shubija fl-Unjoni Ewropeja. Impenjati fil-European & Social Council fejn ahna rapprezentanti direttament, fil-EuroCommerce, l-ghaqda Ewropeja li tirraprezenta l-organizazzjonijiet nazzjonali mis-settur tal-kummerc, u fil-UEAPME, li hi l-federazzjoni ewropeja tal-intraprizi zghar u medji u f’organizazzjonjiet ohra Ewropej li jirraprezentaw setturi partikulari li f’Malta nirraprezentawhom ahna. F’dawn l-organizazzjonijiet ahna attivi u partecipanti denji.

Dan kollu illum poggina aktar minn qatt qabel f’sitwazzjoni fejn nistghu nkunu msiehba socjali mill-aktar effettivi, f’isem l-imsiehba taghna, l-oqsma li nirraprezentaw, u ghal pajjizna. Nemmnu li b’inha vicin il-gvern u l-awtoritajiet jkunu f’posizzjoni ahjar biex lil Malta ingiebulha l-ahjar u rresqu lejna futur ahjar. Ahna hekk nemmnu. Dnub izda li mhux kulhadd fl-awtorita jemmen dan.

Sur President, niddejjaq nghidlek dan. Ghadu mhux kulhadd fl-awtoritajiet konxju tal-kapacitajiet u l-importanza tan-negozji z-zghar ta’ pajjizna. Ghad hawn wisq pregudizzji. Ghad hawn wisq fl-amministrazzjoni u fil-politika nies li jahsbu li jekk m’intiex sid ta’ fabbrika, sid ta’ lukanda jew sid ta’ xi stabbiliment kbir, allura qiesek m’inti xejn. In-nies taghna jahdmu fil-lokalitajiet ta’ Malta kollha. Dawn huma l-maggoranza tal-istabilimenti. Illum terz tal-prodott gross nazzjonali gej minn dawn l-istabilimenti. In-nies taghna mis-setturi kollha li nirraprezentaw – trading, retailing, garaxxijiet tat-tiswija, zviluppaturi, kuntratturi, burdnara, appartamenti ghat-turisti, host families, postijiet tad-divertiment, bars u snack bars, u servizzi ta kull generu – ihaddmu flimkien aktar minn terz tan-nies kollha li jahdmu

Ghalhekk ahna nixtiequ naraw lil pajjizna enterprise-driven. Nixtiequ qabel ma tittiehed decizjoni l-awtoritajiet jaraw l-ewwel x’effett ser ikollha fuq min irid jinvesti u jhaddem u jkabbar il-gid. Minflok, izda, sfortunatament, ghandna regulation-driven economy. Qiesu nippremjaw lil min jivvinta xi regulament gdid. Nahsbu li r-regolamenti joholqu l-gid. X’hin nigu ghal ghajnuna ghandna insibu wisq tfixkil. Qed imbaghtu,Sur President, biex nibdlu din l-mentalita.

In-nies taghna jridu jkabbru, iridu joholqu aktar gid. Mhux vera li ma jridux jindukraw l-ambjent jew li ma jridux jobdu r-regolamenti jew li ma jridux ihallsu t-taxxi. Izda hemm livell accettabli ghal kollox. Illum il-livell ta’ taxxi fuq l-intraprizi qed jaffigna. Difficli tlahhaq. U kif taqa’ lura taqbez fuqek it-Tax Compliance Unit. In-numru ta’ inspections, wardens, regolamenti, formoli, u talbiet ohra fuq hina u fuq hwejjigna, qed jiflina. B’danakollu, Sur President, in-nies taghna jimxu u l-gid jidher. U jista’ jkollna aktar gid jekk il-gvern jghaggel fir-riformi ta’ ligijiet li qed jifluna. Ghalhekk ahna il-hin kollu ninsistu ghar-riformi

Ahna nemmnu fil-better regulation. Nemmnu f’sistema fejn l-imsiehba socjali jiddahhlu dejjem aktar fid-decizjonijiet. Nemmnu f’konsultazzjoni vera u mhux tinfurmana meta tlestiha wahdek. Nemmnu fuq kollox fuq il-kapacita tan-nies taghna. Nemmnu bil-kbir li ghandna hila nkunu ahjar.

Gejna ghandek, Sur President, ghax inhossu li mieghek, bl-esperjenza kbira tieghek, nistghu nitkellmu. Nittamaw li tuza l-influwenza tieghek biex l-ostakoli li baqa’ nnaqsuhom. Ghax nemmnu tassew f’dak li ghedna fil-bidu ta’ din is-sena: irridu l-2006 tkun is-sena li taghmel id-differenza ghan-negozji zghar u medji Maltin. Irridu inizjattivi godda biex is-sidien tan-negozji jharsu ‘l quddiem b’aktar fiducja. In-nies taghna jridu jahdmu. Iridu li s-sistema tkun warajhom u maghhom u mhux kontrihom u f’saqajhom. Ghalhekk nittamaw f’mentalita aktar posittiva lejn is-sid tal-intrapriza.

Ir-realta Ewropeja hi importanti ghalina. Ma rridux li ndumu ma niehdu l-vantaggi kollha tas-shubija. Hekk kif naslu ghat-tieni anniversarju ta dak il-jum memorabbli ghal pajjizna inhossu li hu zmien tajjeb ghal ezami serju tas-sitwazzjoni u biex naghmlu rizoluzzjonijiet godda halli l-intoppi li ghandna nirbhuhom. Ahna certi li bis-support taghna dawn l-intoppi jintrebhu. Ahna ir-rizoluzzjonijiet taghna ghamilnihom. Nistennew li s-sistema minn, fuq s’isfel, taghmel ir-rizoluzzjonijiet taghha, fost l-ohra li taghmel 2006 l-ahjar sena ghan-negozji ta’ pajjizna.

Sur President, nirringrazzjak li smajtna. Niehdu gost nisimghu lilek. Shabi kollha ghandhom hsibijiet li jixtiequ jaqsmu mieghek. Ghal darb’ohra, nirringrazzjak u nixtieq inhallilek rikordju ta’ din l-okkazzjoni. Nghaddilek ukoll kontribuzzjoni minn naha taghna ghall-Community Chest Fund.

Il-GRTU – Kamra Maltija ghan-Negozji Zghar u Medji – qed tesprimi b’mod pubbliku l-inkwiet taghha dwar il-mod kif il-gvern qed imexxi fuq il-kwistjoni tar-riciklagg tal-iskart. Sa llum ftit li xejn saret konsultazzjoni mal-GRTU li tirraprezenta l-firxa l-aktar wiesa ta’ negozji, servizzi u intraprizi mifruxa ma’ Malta kollha. Jidher izda li l-gvern diga ddecieda wahdu l-linji li fuqhom ser imexxi. Aghar minn hekk jidher li hawn min hu infurmat ghax forsi ghandu xi privilegg specjali, filwaqt li ohrajn li ghandhom dritt li jkunu nvoluti, qed jithallew barra.

Il-GRTU – Kamra Maltija ghan-Negozji Zghar u Medji – qed tesprimi b’mod pubbliku l-inkwiet taghha dwar il-mod kif il-gvern qed imexxi fuq il-kwistjoni tar-riciklagg tal-iskart. Sa llum ftit li xejn saret konsultazzjoni mal-GRTU li tirraprezenta l-firxa l-aktar wiesa ta’ negozji, servizzi u intraprizi mifruxa ma’ Malta kollha. Jidher izda li l-gvern diga ddecieda wahdu l-linji li fuqhom ser imexxi. Aghar minn hekk jidher li hawn min hu infurmat ghax forsi ghandu xi privilegg specjali, filwaqt li ohrajn li ghandhom dritt li jkunu nvoluti, qed jithallew barra.

Il-GRTU twiddeb li mhux ser taccetta l-izball goff li sar meta l-gvern qabad u impona l-Eco Tax. Meta ddahhlet din it-taxxa stramba l-gvern qabad u ddecieda wahdu allavolja kien avzat mill-GRTU li dik kienet taxxa iebsa u li kienet ser tiddetermina ghas-snin li gejjin dak li ser isir dwar ir-riciklagg. Is-sidien tan-negozji llum isostnu li la l-gvern qed jithallas permezz tal-Eco Tax huma m’ghandhomx ikunu mghobbija wkoll bi spejjez ohra, aktar u aktar meta l-gvern behsiebu jzid il-lista ta’ prodotti li jsoffru l-Eco Tax.

Milli qed jinghad s’issa jidher li l-gvern behsiebu jillegisla biex jimponi fuq is-sidien tal-hwienet u negozji ohra bhal bars, snack bars u hwienet ohra biex dawn ikollhom bilfors jimponu hlas extra bhala deposit fuq il-minerali u prodotti ohra fil-hgieg, plastic u metal. Dan biex il-konsumaturi jkunu mgieghla jiehdu l-iskart lura minn fejn xtrawhom. L-indikazzjonijiet kollha li ghandha l-GRTU juru bic-car li n-nies tal-hwienet u negozji ohra ma jridux li n-negozji taghhom jsiru depositi ta’ dan l-iskart. Il-gvern jaf li llum m’hemm l-ebda ligi li ttihom is-sahha jimponu haga bhal din fuq is-sidien tal-hwienet. Il-bicca l-kbira tan-negozji la ghandhom fejn, la jridu dan l-inkarigu u l-ispejjez li dawn igibu maghhom, u lanqas ma jistghu, ghal ragunijiet ta’ igene u sahha, jsiru depositi tal-iskart. Is-sidien tal-hwienet qed ikunu avzati mill-GRTU biex joqghodu attenti ghall-manuvri bhal dawn.

Il-GRTU trid ghalhekk li l-gvern jaghmilha cara li mhiex l-intenzjoni tieghu li jimponi b’ligi sistemi ta’ depositi li jikkastigaw l-konsumaturi u lil tal-hwienet. Il-GRTU trid wkoll l-gvern jiddikjara minn kmieni li mhux l-intenzjoni tieghu li jimponi monopolju meta jigi ghall-permessi ghall-istabilimenti li jridu jinvestu f’impjanti ta’ riciklagg u fil-gbir ta’ skart indikat. Il-GRTU trid ukoll li l-gvern, wara konsultazzjoni mal-imsiehba socjali, ewlenija fosthom il-GRTU, jistabilixxi x’inhi l-ahjar policy ghal Malta dwar gbir ta’ skart u riciklagg u uzu alternattiv ghall-iskart.

Il-GRTU trid li l-gvern ma jeskludiex il-possibilita ta’ incendjatur terminali modern kbir li jkun jiflah ghall-kwantita kbira ta’ skart kummercjali u industrijali u li minnu Malta tkun tista’ tiehu fornitura sostanzjali ta’ elettriku. Fuq kollox il-GRTU trid li d-diskussjoni dwar dan il-qasam tinfetah berah u mhux tibqa’ bejn il-kwinti fejn jidhlu biss dawk li jghidu li huma esperti u l-poplu u l-istakeholders l-ohra jkunu infurmati biss permezz ta’ dak li l-awtoritajiet jiddeciedu li jxandru. Il-GRTU qed tavza lis-sidien tan-negozji biex ikunu lesti ghal direttivi minghand il-GRTU f’kaz li t-talbiet tal-GRTU jaqghu fuq widnejn it-torox.

Din hi kwistjoni li tolqot lis-setturi kollha li tirraprezenta l-GRTU u l-GRTU tghid minn issa li timmobilizza l-membri fi protesti jekk il-gvern jghoddos rasu u jmexxi wahdu u jimponi.

Il-GRTU llum kellha diskussjonijiet mad-Direttur Generali tad-Dwana u l-esperti tieghu kif ukoll mas-Segretarju Parlamentari fil-Ministeru tal-Finanzi l-Onor Tonio Fenech fejn il-GRTU inghatat dettalji ta’ x’qed isir mill-awtoritajiet biex tkun kontrollata l-problema kbira li qed tinholoq ghal hafna negozji bid-dhul ta’ kwantitajiet ta’ merkanzija b’sistemi li m’humiex regolari ghall-kummerc. Fost dawn hemm is-sistema li qed issir aktar frekwenti ta’ xoghol li jidhol f’Malta bil-vannijet u trasport privat u li jibqa’ ghaddej ghad-distribuzzjoni. Dan ix-xoghol qed jitpogga fuq is-suq bla VAT, b’vantagg ta’ nuqqas ta’ income tax u bla hlas ta’ eco-tax u qed johloq kompetizzjoni ingusta kontra xoghol li jkun dahal b’mod regolari u li jkun suggett ghat-taxxi kollha.

Il-GRTU llum kellha diskussjonijiet mad-Direttur Generali tad-Dwana u l-esperti tieghu kif ukoll mas-Segretarju Parlamentari fil-Ministeru tal-Finanzi l-Onor Tonio Fenech fejn il-GRTU inghatat dettalji ta’ x’qed isir mill-awtoritajiet biex tkun kontrollata l-problema kbira li qed tinholoq ghal hafna negozji bid-dhul ta’ kwantitajiet ta’ merkanzija b’sistemi li m’humiex regolari ghall-kummerc. Fost dawn hemm is-sistema li qed issir aktar frekwenti ta’ xoghol li jidhol f’Malta bil-vannijet u trasport privat u li jibqa’ ghaddej ghad-distribuzzjoni. Dan ix-xoghol qed jitpogga fuq is-suq bla VAT, b’vantagg ta’ nuqqas ta’ income tax u bla hlas ta’ eco-tax u qed johloq kompetizzjoni ingusta kontra xoghol li jkun dahal b’mod regolari u li jkun suggett ghat-taxxi kollha.

Id-Direttur Generali tad-Dwana ta spjega tal-investigazzjoni kollha li ssir b’ko-ordinazzjoni mal-NSO u mad-Dipartimenti tal-VAT, tal-Kummerc u tal-Biedja u assigura lil GRTU li id-dettalji kollha jinzammu u li l-awtoritajiet ghandhom id-dettalji kollha tat-tragit kollu li jsir.

Is-Segretarju Parlamentari Tonio Fenech assigura lil GRTU li l-ezercizju li sar hemm involut fih id-dipartimenti kollha li huma responsabbli mill-infurzar tal-ligijiet u b’rizultat tal-informazzjoni miksuba ser jittiehdu l-passi kollha, b’zieda ma’ dawk li diga ttiehdu, biex il-kummerc abbuziv kollu li qed jirrizulta jkun imrazzan. Mhux l-ghan tal-gvern li b’xi mod jindahal fil-moviment hieles tal-merca skond ir-regoli tal-Unjoni Ewropeja izda ser jittiehdu l-passi kollha ta’ infurzar biex ikun assigurat li il-kummercjant jkun protett mill-kompetizzjoni illicita.

Il-GRTU assigurat lil awtoritajiet mill-ko-operazzjoni taghha ghax mir-rizultat ta’ survey li l-GRTU ghadha kemm ghamlet fost in-negozjanti membri tal-GRTU hareg li din tal-kompetizzjoni ngusta minn prodotti li jidhlu Malta bla hlas ta’ taxxi u x’obligazzjonijiet ohra hi wahda mill-problemi kbar li minnha qed ibatu numru kbir ta’ traders u retailers.

Delegazzjoni tal-GRTU – Kamra Maltija ghan-Negozji Zghar u Medji – iltaqghet mal-Ministeru tal-Industrija, Investiment u Teknologija tal-Informatika biex tkun taf aktar dwar il-progett SmartCity @ Malta.

Fid-delegazzjoni tal-GRTU kien hemm rapprezentanti mis-settur IT, tat-Turizmu, tal-Kuntratturi u Developers u tad-direzzjoni generali tal-GRTU mmexxija mill-President Paul Abela u id-Direttur Generali Vincent Farrugia. Il-prezentazzjoni f’isem il-Ministeru saret minn Claudio Grech il-Kap tas-Segretarjat tal-Ministeri u l-ufficjal inkarigat mill-progett ta’ SmartCity

Delegazzjoni tal-GRTU – Kamra Maltija ghan-Negozji Zghar u Medji – iltaqghet mal-Ministeru tal-Industrija, Investiment u Teknologija tal-Informatika biex tkun taf aktar dwar il-progett SmartCity @ Malta.

Fid-delegazzjoni tal-GRTU kien hemm rapprezentanti mis-settur IT, tat-Turizmu, tal-Kuntratturi u Developers u tad-direzzjoni generali tal-GRTU mmexxija mill-President Paul Abela u id-Direttur Generali Vincent Farrugia. Il-prezentazzjoni f’isem il-Ministeru saret minn Claudio Grech il-Kap tas-Segretarjat tal-Ministeri u l-ufficjal inkarigat mill-progett ta’ SmartCity.

Il-GRTU inghatat informazzjoni dwar id-dimensjoni tal-progett u it-time frames li fihom irid isir ix-xoghol. Inghatat informazzjoni wkoll ta’ x’tip ta’ xoghol u investiment ser ikun permezz fuq it-teritorju li ser jinghata lil investituri minn Dubai. Il-GRTU kienet assigurata li l-progett huwa primarjament marbut mal-izvilupp u t-thaddim ta’ ICT u Media zone kompleta u tal-ghola livell u li l-ghan hu li l-ambjent taz-zona li fih ser ikun zviluppat dan il-progett ikun imhares u jsir thaddim tal-aktar sistemi li huma environment-friendly u li kull investiment iehor li jsir bhal hotel, postijiet tal-akkomodazzjoni, hwienet u facilitajiet ta’ catering jkunu biss ancillary u biex jaqdu l-htigijiet tal-belt li ser tinholoq. Il-Ministeru assigura lil GRTU li zgur mhux l-intenzjoni li jsir sempliciment progett iehor ta’ zvilupp ta’ apartamenti, hwienet, bars u restoranti bhal ma sar band’ohra. L-ghan hu li jinholoq ‘cluster’ ta’ stabilimenti marbuta mal-funzjoni ewlenija ta’ ICT u Media enterprises izda li jkollhom ghad-disposizzjoni taghhom, u b’mod efficjenti, is-servizzi l-ohra kollha li jinhtiegu.

Il-GRTU esprimiet is-sodisfazzjoni taghha li l-Ministeru ha din l-inizjattiva hekk importanti li jgib lejn Malta l-ewwel progett ta’ dan it-tip fiz-zona tal-Unjoni Ewropeja. Huma bosta l-pajjizi kompetituri ta’ Malta li qed jippruvaw jgibu f’pajjizna dan il-kuncett li hadem sewwa f’Dubai u fil-postijiet l-ohra fejn l-istess investituri hadmu fuq l-istess tip ta’ progett. Il-holqien ta’ zona gdida bhal din flimkien mal-holqien ta’ 5, 600 post gdid ta’ xoghol b’65% minnhom fis-snajja tal-IT hu ferm importanti ghal Malta. Il-GRTU ghalhekk accettat li tifli aktar fid-dettal il-proposti li saru u taghti r-reazzjoni tal-imsiehba tal-GRTU fi zmien qasir. Iz-zewg partijiet qablu wkoll li jkomplu bil-process ta’ ko-operazzjoni biex ikun zgurat li l-progett isir skond iz-zmien ippjanat u f’kuntest fejn il-progett isir b’rabta mal-htigijiet u l-aspirazzjonijiet ta’ investituri Maltin f’oqsma li ikunu marbuta max-xoghol u t-thaddim ta’ Smart City @ Malta

GRTU insists that conducting a study on the operations of Electricity charges and purchasing policies is desirable but not enough. What is of utmost important is that Government acts now decisively and withdraw the Electricity and Water Surcharge. As a minimum government should withdraw the last increases in the Electricity and Water Surcharge. GRTU contends that these increases are unjustified and the result of indecision and incompetence of the authorities responsible for the protection of the public interest. SME’s and householders should therefore not be further burdened with these unjust increases.

GRTU insists that conducting a study on the operations of Electricity charges and purchasing policies is desirable but not enough. What is of utmost important is that Government acts now decisively and withdraw the Electricity and Water Surcharge. As a minimum government should withdraw the last increases in the Electricity and Water Surcharge. GRTU contends that these increases are unjustified and the result of indecision and incompetence of the authorities responsible for the protection of the public interest. SME’s and householders should therefore not be further burdened with these unjust increases.

GRTU warned government strongly when the first surcharge was introduced that unless the price at which Fuel Oil (fuel for the Marsa Power Station) and of Gas Oil (fuel for the Dellimara Power Station) was taken as a bench mark and Enemalta purchased fuels on dates when the price (Mediterranean Platts) of these fuels was below or at par with this benchmark the surcharge would have to be increased again to the detriment of the public.

In spite of GRTU’s warning government did not heed this advise with the consequence that again the Surcharge had to be greatly increased last October. Again GRTU in November refused to have anything to do with the scheme proposed by Government. GRTU objected and continue to object to the discriminatory capping mechanism and to the hefty increase in the Water and Electricity GRTU is moving ahead with a strong complaint with the EU Commission on these issues as GRTU believes that Maltese SME’s and the public in general is not being protected by the Public Regulator and by Government.

At the MCESD Meeting that discussed the Surcharge last November again GRTU warned government that unless the Price Mediterranean Platts on which the Surcharge was based was taken as a benchmark and Enemalta purchased enough quantities of fuels to sustain the power stations whenever the price was below this benchmark, the Surcharge would again have to be increased.

It is completely unacceptable to GRTU that after this second warning Enemalta again did not purchase fuels when the price Mediterranean Platts fell below the Surcharge Benchmark even when in November and December the price fell below the Benchmark sufficiently to ensure a reduction in the Surcharge.

The increase that was instead imposed on SME’s and Householders in the Electricity and Water Surcharge and that SME’s and households now have to suffer is not justified. GRTU contends that studies are not enough. The increase in the Surcharge has to be withdrawn prior to the issue of the next Electricity Bills. Government should also reduce the Surcharge on the Bills for water consumption. The reason is obvious: only 23% of the full surcharge should be included in the surcharge on water bills as only this ratio reflects the true costs to Malta Water Corporation for increased electricity costs.

With a reduced Surcharge on Electricity and Water SME’s and Householders will buffer the burden of the exaggerated Water and Electricity Surcharge.

The least SME’s and the public expect is that additional costs due to inefficiency and indecisions by the authorities is withdrawn without further delay.

(see attached the GRTU’s arguments sustaining its complaints to the EU Commission)

Il-GRTU – Kamra Maltija tan-Negozji Zghar u Medji f’isem l-Host Families li fil-maggoranza taghhom huma msiehba fil-GRTU illum waslet fi ftehim mall-Ministru tal-Finanzi rapprezentat mis-Segretarju Parlamentari l-Onorevoli Tonio Fenech biex tkun solvuta l-kwistjoni li kienet inholqot dwar it-taxxa dovuta duq dhul li jsir mill-Host Families li jzommu studenti barranin li jigu Malta biex jitghallmu l-lingwa Ingliza.

Il-GRTU – Kamra Maltija tan-Negozji Zghar u Medji f’isem l-Host Families li fil-maggoranza taghhom huma msiehba fil-GRTU illum waslet fi ftehim mall-Ministru tal-Finanzi rapprezentat mis-Segretarju Parlamentari l-Onorevoli Tonio Fenech biex tkun solvuta l-kwistjoni li kienet inholqot dwar it-taxxa dovuta duq dhul li jsir mill-Host Families li jzommu studenti barranin li jigu Malta biex jitghallmu l-lingwa Ingliza.

B’dan il-ftehim il-gvern accetta l-principju li jkun hemm tax free threshold li jaghmel tajjeb ghall-home sharing expenses kif ukoll livell accettabbli ta’ spejjez ohra li jinqatghu qabel ma jkun indikat id-dhul taxxabbli.

B’dan l-arrangament issa l-Host Families jistghu jserhu rashom li s-servizz taghhom qed ikun rikonoxxut bhala servizz specjali u mixtieq filwaqt li t-taxxa tahdem biss fuq dak l-ammont li ragonevolment hu accettat bhala dhul addizjonali.

B’dan l-arrangament l-GRTU qed tirtira l-parir li tghat lil Host Families biex ma jintrabtux b’bookings godda u issa l-GRTU qed tinkoraggixxi l-Host Families biex jestendu l-bookings ghall-istagun li gej.

Il-GRTU ser tlaqqa lil Host Families il-gimgha id-diehla biex tispjegalhom id-dettalji tal-ftehim u tisgura l-approvazzjoni tal-Host Families ghall-dan l-ftehim

Il-GRTU tirraprezenta l-akbar numru ta’ intraprizi u negozji zghar u self-employed fejn l-aktar hemm numru kbir ta’ nisa jahdmu. Huma hafna n-nisa li llum jahdmu jew bhala sidien, managers jew bhala mpjegati fis-setturi tal-kummerc, tas-servizzi u f’negozji ta’ crafts u fornituri ohra, filwaqt li numbru kbir ta’ nisa ghalkemm mhux direttament impjegati huma ta’ sostenn kontinwu u necessarju ghall-intraprizi privati tal-familji

Il-GRTU tirraprezenta l-akbar numru ta’ intraprizi u negozji zghar u self-employed fejn l-aktar hemm numru kbir ta’ nisa jahdmu. Huma hafna n-nisa li llum jahdmu jew bhala sidien, managers jew bhala mpjegati fis-setturi tal-kummerc, tas-servizzi u f’negozji ta’ crafts u fornituri ohra, filwaqt li numbru kbir ta’ nisa ghalkemm mhux direttament impjegati huma ta’ sostenn kontinwu u necessarju ghall-intraprizi privati tal-familji.

Sfortunatament izda m’hemm l-ebda policy ta’ l-ebda awtorita’, lanqas ta’ dawk li huma specifikament inkarigati biex iharsu l-avvanz tal-mara fis-socjeta m’huma intizi b’mod partikolari ghal dawn is-setturi. Dan wara li l-GRTU f’kull opportunita tfakkar li eluf kbar ta’ nisa la jahdmu mall-gvern, la fil-fabbriki, la fil-lukandi u lanqas fil-korporazzjonijiet il-kbar li ghalihom qieshom li jitfasslu l-ligijiet u l-iskemi.

Il-GRTU din is-sena ghazlet bhala tema specjali “ 2006 trid tkun sena li taghmel id-differenza ghan-negozji z-zghar Maltin” u din tghodd ukoll ghall-avvanz u l-interess tan-nisa fis-setturi rapprezentati mill-GRTU. Il-GRTU tappella li din is-sena l-awtoritajiet jaghtu kaz b’mod specjali ghall-problemi kbar li jiffacjaw in-nisa self-employed u sidien u managers ta’ negozji u intraprizi u l-eluf ta’ nisa impjegati li jahdmu fis-settur kummercjali u tas-servizzi. Il-GRTU hi kommessa li taghti s-sapport shih taghha ghal kull inizjattiva li tghin biex dan is-settur jkun ta’ aktar sostenn ghan-nisa impjegati f’dawn is-setturi.

Il-GRTU – L-Kamra Maltija tan-Negozji Zghar u Medji ma accettatx l-pozizzjoni li hadet l-Kummissjoni Ewropeja dwar l-kas li l-GRTU resqet quddiemha dwar l-Ufficcju tal-Kompetizzjoni Gusta ta’ Malta. Il-GRTU tablet lill-Commissioner Ms Nellie Kroes responsabbli mill-Kompetizzjoni biex tizgura lil l-gvern Malti josserva ahjar ir-regolamenti tal-EU dwar il-harsien tal-kompetizzjoni gusta f’pajjizna

Il-GRTU – L-Kamra Maltija tan-Negozji Zghar u Medji ma accettatx l-pozizzjoni li hadet l-Kummissjoni Ewropeja dwar l-kas li l-GRTU resqet quddiemha dwar l-Ufficcju tal-Kompetizzjoni Gusta ta’ Malta. Il-GRTU tablet lill-Commissioner Ms Nellie Kroes responsabbli mill-Kompetizzjoni biex tizgura lil l-gvern Malti josserva ahjar ir-regolamenti tal-EU dwar il-harsien tal-kompetizzjoni gusta f’pajjizna

Il-GRTU issostni li l-Ufficcju tal-Kompetizzjoni ta’ Malta mhux jahdem sewwa u huwa ta’ detriment ghan-negozji zghar u medji Maltin u Ghawdxin. Il-GRTU trid li dan l-Ufficcju jinqata mill-burokrazija generali tal-gvern u jkun, fil-fatt, u jidher li hu, indipendenti mill-gvern tal-gurnata. Il-GRTU trid ukoll li tinstab persuna adatta biex tmexxi dan l-Ufficcju u li fl-analizi tax-xoghol li jwettaq jinghata aktar enfazi lejn il-problemi ta’ kompetizjoni fis-suq. Mir-rapporti li ghandha l-GRTU jidher li hafna negozji zghar qed ibghatu b’effett ta’ kompetizzjoni ingusta u l-Ufficcju tal-Kompetizzjoni Gusta mhux qed jiehu l-passi li jista’ jiehu biex l-kompetizzjoni fis-suq lokali tkun gusta u sostnuta.

It-text tal-ittra tal-GRTU lill-Kummissjoni Ewropeja qed tintbghat ma din l-istqarrija flimkien mall-korrespondenza li ghaddiet bejn iz-zewg nahat:

7th March 2006
Commissioner Nellie Kroes
DG Competition
European Commission
B-1049 Brussels
Belgium

Attn: Mr Philip Lowe

Dear Mr Lowe,

Re: Office for Fair Competition (Malta)

We thank you for your letter dated 26 January 2006 (D000388) relating to our concerns about the autonomy of Office for Fair Competition in Malta.

As you rightly pointed out, we acknowledge that it is up to the Member States to organize their administrative systems in their country and this obviously applies to Malta too. GRTU also recognises that as from the 1 May 2004, with the coming into force of Regulation 1/2003, the national competition authorities are part of a European Competition Network enforcing the provisions of Article 81 and 82 EC and the Commission’s modified role within that network.

However, GRTU’s concerns relate to the operational autonomy of the Malta’s Office for Fair Competition (OFC) as it affects its executive effectiveness and not its administrative autonomy. While its role and functions are essentially more critical to the national economy than those of other economic regulators, such as that of the Malta Resources Authority (for, inter alia, energy) and the Malta Communications Authority (for telecommunications), the latter regulators are operationally autonomous as required by sector specific EU law, while the OFC is not.

Currently there is what we consider a serious anomalous situation, where the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Competitiveness and Telecommunications is still acting as Director General Competition and Consumer Division (including OFC) after he was promoted more than five months ago leaving a vacant position which has not been filled to date. Since Government itself is still an economic operator with 100% or majority share holdings in a number of corporations, we maintain that it is even more essential that the OFC is separated from Government’s operative divisions.

The lack of autonomy affects the operations of the OFC in more than one way. Malta is a small country and we are noting that the possibility of capture, including political, is not a
remote possibility but a real and tangible risk. Moreover, the personnel employed by the OFC, including those in the most senior decision-making positions, are civil servants with civil service salaries due to their forming part of same public service. Since these are significantly less than those of the other regulatory authorities and the entities they regulate, they affect the recruitment potential of the OFC and its attractiveness for qualified personnel, leaving it under-resourced of the required expertise. The OFC is also the only economic regulator in Malta who does not employ the services of qualified economists on its investigative teams despite the increased importance given to economic efficiency tests in EC competition rules. In our view this situation is further compounded by the lack of transparent guidelines on the OFC’s application of competition rules. All of these factors dampen both the thrust and the effectiveness of the OFC’s enforcement of competition rules in Malta and are of great concern to us and the SME population in Malta.

GRTU is also aware of instances where the Competition Commission (Malta) itself has criticised the conduct of the OFC; such as when the latter suspended their legitimate investigation of a dominant company because the latter complained. We also note that a number of OFC decisions are appealed which has dented the credibility of this Office with the business and customer communities in Malta.

Therefore, while GRTU respects “the wide variation which exists in the public enforcement systems of the Member States”, and the Member States’ legitimate right to decide ‘which’ authority they entrust with applying Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty, we maintain that the EC Commission still has a duty to ensure that these Treaty provisions are operated and applied effectively and correctly, irrespective of ‘which authority’. In this regard, the GRTU is kindly requesting your guidance and possible intervention in ensuring that the OFC in Malta is sufficiently and adequately resourced and detached in order to fulfil its role in Malta and the EU as required by Regulation 1/2003.

Yours sincerely,

Vincent Farrugia
Director General

21st December 2005

Ms Joanne Drake
Head of Representation
EC Delegation
Villa The Vines
Ta’ Xbiex Seafront
Ta’ Xbiex

Dear Dr Drake,

Malta Office for Fair Competition

On behalf of the National Executive Council we request you to forward the following official complaint to the EU Commissioner for Competition, Ms Neelie Kroes.

Notwithstanding promises made to the representatives of the commercial and industrial sectors: GRTU Malta Chamber of SME’s – National Association of General Retailers and Traders; Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise and Malta Federation of Industry, that the Malta Office for Fair Competition will no longer form part of the general public service structure but be established as a semi-autonomous Public Regulatory Office not falling under the direct responsibility of the Permanent Secretary of any government Ministry, the Government of Malta continues not to implement this commitment and retains the Office for Fair Competition as an integrated part of the civil service.

This situation has now further deteriorated as the previous Head of the Office for Fair Competition has recently been promoted to the post of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Competitiveness, and the Permanent Secretary himself is today effectively the Head of the Office for Fair Competition as no Head of OFC has been specifically appointed.

GRTU, on behalf of Maltese Traders and Retailers, furthermore complains, as has been done regularly, against the present structure whereby the Office for Fair Competition rather than retained as a separate entity with specific responsibility for Competition, merger and anti-trust rules, is retained as a sub- section of the Division for Competition and Consumer Affairs within the Ministry for Competitiveness.

The effective result of this merged Civil Service structure has been that the Office for Fair Competition has lost its significance and its independent and autonomous authority.

GRTU is hereby officially requesting the Commissioner to investigate with urgency this situation as it is detrimental to the vast majority of our members who are independent private businesses heavily reliant on a competitive market under the guidance of a neutral and independent Office for Fair Competition.

GRTU furthermore, on behalf of Maltese Traders, Wholesalers and Retailers, request the Commissioner to issue directives to the Maltese government to take immediate remedial action to establish the Office for Fair Competition as an independent autonomous public regulatory authority with responsibility only for the monitoring and implementation of EU Competition, merger and anti-trust rules.

Kindly give this matter your most urgent attention.

Yours sincerely,

Vincent Farrugia
Director General

c.c – Xavier R. Durieu, Secretary General EuroCommerce