The GRTU is closely following the Satabank issue and has urged enterprises affected to get in touch with them.

"Satabank has many clients in Malta who had opened accounts with Satabank and used also its EPOS services. These clients are now facing grave financial and cashflow difficulties."

"The issue experienced in the recent past with vast numbers of workers finding difficulties setting up a bank account through the major banks in Malta caused a shift to E-money accounts in Satabank and elsewhere. These, many Maltese businesses and workers, who have Satabank accounts are now in a state of desperation. Information on what is about to happen is very scarce, with calls to Satabank being diverted to a call centre in Bulgaria."

"Besides being alarmed due to the plight of its members, GRTU is also concerned about the effect this is having on retail sales. The fact that Satabank users cannot use the funds in their account means that on the consumer side they are unable to receive moneys and spend and on the business side they are unable to utilise such accounts to trade and sell. The problem is being felt most prominently in the Msida, Gzira, Sliema and St Julian's areas."

GRTU is asking businesses who have accounts in SATABANK to contact it urgently as a meeting is being held in order to inform members who are Satabank clients on what corrective measures can be taken to resolve individual businesses' issues with Satabank as soon as possible.  

GRTU is actively in discussion with all relevant authorities to limit any repercussions this is having on businesses. Contact details – 21232881 or [email protected] .