UHM calls for workers to receive compensation for fuel price rise

The UHM Voice of the Workers has called for workers to be given immediate compensation following the fuel price rise which came into effect on the 1st of August, and other price increases on basic products.

Specifically, the UHM was also referring to the recent increase in milk prices, and in the price of bread. These three products are “essential, and their prices increased substantially. In the case of the fuel price rise, the union asks Enemed to explain in detail what led to the final consumer price.”

The price of unleaded petrol has gone up from €1.36 a litre to €1.41. Diesel has risen from €1.23 to €1.28 per litre. Petrol Super has gone up from €1.51 to €1.56 and the price of diesel super has risen from €1.33 to €1.38 a litre.

In terms of milk, the price increase rose 10c and 7c rise in whole milk - 1 litre and half-litre respectively, while an 11c rise will be in the price of milk 2.5% fat (1 litre) and skimmed milk (1 litre).

The UHM explained that the government also ignored proposals made by the union to compensate the price rise for bread.

“Given that the prices of three essential commodities rose, the government must stop ignoring this union and listen to Maltese families who are negatively affected by these rises – mostly those who are on low and medium income.”

While the average net wage in Malta is 33% below the EU average, it is certain that local consumer prices are not 33% less than the EU average.

The union urged government to, immediately, compensate workers, their families and pensioners through a mechanism agreed upon with the social partners. “If the government again ignores this appeal, this would mean that workers will not be given compensation in the coming budget.”

The UHM was not the only union to air concern over the recent price increases. The General Workers Union is also requesting compensation for workers. The union said that this increase, as well as a rise in the price of essential items (milk), is having a negative effect on the people’s spending power.

GWU secretary general Josef Bugeja, in a statement, said that the increases will mean that what workers gained in collective agreements will be lost. He said that cost of living adjustments should be given twice a year, not once.