I can just see Lawrence Gonzi in a quandary of his own making. Having leaned on the UHM and the CMTU to declare agreement with the revenue-raising tariffs that have been imposed on consumers of water and electricity, he cannot now listen to and accept the logical and sound arguments which the other 11 unions are making in arguing for a reduction in the imposed tariffs.

His position is so weak he does not even want to meet the 11 unions. Their logic is devastatingly hurtful.

If the prime minister opts for a cut in the tariffs, the UHM and CMTU would be left out on a limb, looking ridiculously weak and as government puppets. Which they are. If he does not give in it will be obvious that the aim behind the tariffs is to rake in revenue from consumers to make good for the government’s inefficiencies.

Whichever way he decides, Dr Gonzi will be a victim of his weakness to Dr Austin Gatt’s overweening power. It is not a pleasant situation for him. Dr Gatt must be licking his lips.

Let there be no mistake about it. The 11 unions are right, and the government is in the wrong. For instance, the 11 unions are arguing that the tariffs penalise single persons and pensioners. And they are right. I live by myself, and on a combined water and electricity bill for September and October of under e54, I do not even get an eco reduction. And I use electricity sparingly. Always have – for instance, my water heater is never on, except 20 minutes before I shower. For October my electricity consumption comes to under e25. Is it true there is an eco reduction for prudent users of electricity?

P. Micallef

Birkirkara