Works at the Freeport have come to a standstill after the Malta Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU) ordered its cargo hauler members not to load or unload any containers at the port. The directives, imposed for an indefinite period of time, ensued after an increase in port tariffs was introduced on Saturday 1st July. Further tariffs are expected be implemented at the Grand Harbour as from the 1st August.
On Monday GRTU also called on the government to confirm the rates cargo haulers are expected to pay on behalf of exporters and entrepreneurs for the ports. In a statement, the union also asked the government to explain where the price reduction announced by the same government lies.
In a press conference on Tuesday, GRTU President Vince Farrugia added that the union is insisting that the Marsa office where payments are deposited remains open. According to the union, the new office at the Freeport will burden cargo haulers with further expenses as the cargo haulers will have to travel back and forth to the Freeport up to five times a day.
See also:
GRTU orders directive in protest of port tariff increases
By MaltaMedia News
Jul 1, 2006, 19:00 CET
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