In a statement, the union said that these increases in price will reduce the purchasing power of the people which will in turn lead to a fall in the quality of life.

The UHM said the social aspect should always be given the utmost importance when economic decisions such as these are taken by government and its agencies.

The economy, it said, can never grow if the social aspect is destabilised. “The UHM had pressed, over the last few months, for a proper consultation process to find solutions for our country’s problems,” said the union. The union also said that there was a need for social institutions to find common ground and to agree on the most important criteria that would allow the economy to grow.

The UHM appealed for government to consult and negotiate with social partners before taking decisions, to ensure that Malta remains competitive and that lifestyle levels do not deteriorate.