Category: Archive – 2005

Il-GRTU qed issostni li ma ghandux jkun hemm bidla fis-sistema tal-pensjonijiet qabel ma jsir studju serju tal-impatt ekonomiku u socjali ta’ kull bidla li tkun qed tigi proposta. Il-GRTU trid aktar dettal b’mod partikulari li studju dwar l-impatt fuq is-suq tax-xoghol b’zieda fl-eta tal-pensjoni. L-GRTU titkellem b’mod partikulari ghas-settur fejn is-sid tan-negozju jahdem hu nnifsu bhala self-employed u l-istudju ghandu juri l-impatt ta’ zieda obbligatorja fl-eta tal-irtirar fuq in-nies self employed li huma suggetti ghal sforzi fizici kbar fl-ezercizzju tas-sengha taghhom.

Il-Pozizzjoni tal-GRTU dwar il-Pensjonijiet

1. Il-GRTU qed issostni li ma ghandux jkun hemm bidla fis-sistema tal-pensjonijiet qabel ma jsir studju serju tal-impatt ekonomiku u socjali ta’ kull bidla li tkun qed tigi proposta. Il-GRTU trid aktar dettal b’mod partikulari li studju dwar l-impatt fuq is-suq tax-xoghol b’zieda fl-eta tal-pensjoni. L-GRTU titkellem b’mod partikulari ghas-settur fejn is-sid tan-negozju jahdem hu nnifsu bhala self-employed u l-istudju ghandu juri l-impatt ta’ zieda obbligatorja fl-eta tal-irtirar fuq in-nies self employed li huma suggetti ghal sforzi fizici kbar fl-ezercizzju tas-sengha taghhom.

2. Hafna fis-settur tas-self employed, u ohrajn mill-intrapriza tal-manifattura, kostruzzjoni, trasport u telekomunikazzjoni, ma jkunux jistghu jzommu l-livell ta’ produzzjoni taghhom b’impjegati ta’ eta’ kbira. Il-GDP ta’ Malta ghadu jiddependi hafna fuq il-kapacita produttiva tal-kapital uman u jekk l-output nazzjoanali jonqos ghax tonqos il-produttivita f’setturi importanti tal-ekonomija, l-piz tal-penzjoni fuq min jahdem jkompli jizdied. Is-sistema m’ghandha qatt tohloq xkiel ghat-tkattir ekonomiku u ghall-incentiva biex jinholqu postijiet tax-xoghol godda ghaz-zaghzagh. Min ifassal skema ta’ pensjonijiet bla ma jqies sew l-impatt fuq il-produzzjoni nazzjonali w jara biss l-impatt fuq il-finanzjament tal-iskema u l-finanzi tal-gvern, jkun qed jaghmel zball kbir. Il-GRTU trid ghalhekk tara wkoll aktar analizi tal-impatt tad-dizincentiva liz-zghazagh li jsibu postijiet tax-xoghol imblokkati f’Malta jekk iz-zieda fl-eta tal-irtirar tkun obligatorja. L-alternattiva tkun ta’ impjieg fil-kumplament tal-Unjoni Ewropea bil-konsegwenza li Malta titlef il-kontribuzzjoni ekonomika u l-kontribuzzjoni socjali taghhom.

3. Il-GRTU tistenna wkoll li ghandu jkun imkejjel l-impatt ekonomiku fuq aspetti ohra tal-ekonomija. Projezzjonijiet tal-accountants u studji statistici mhux bizzejjed. Dan hu zball kbir li ghamel haddiehor. Dan ghaliex ir-rapporti li saru s’issa huma bbazati wisq fuq teoriji u kalkoli li mhux dejjem huma korretti. Il-figuri demografici wkoll mhux qed jiehdu nkonsiderazzjoni adekwata tal-impatt tal-immigrazzjoni. Il-paragun dwar imigrazzjoni ghandu jsir ma dak fl-ibliet u mhux f’pajjizi kbar. L-iskema m’ghandiex tghabbi hafna fuq min jahdem ghax min ifassal l-iskema l-gdida jibbaza wisq fuq stampa pessimista ta’ kif ser tizviluppa l-ekonomija Maltija fl-20 sena li gejjien. Ghall-GRTU hu importanti hafna li minn jahdem ma jixxekkilx izzejjed u li min jirtira jkun kapaci jzomm livell ta’ infieq adekwat biex izomm lilu nnifsu sewwa u biex jghin bil-konsum tieghu iz-zamma ta’ ritmu ta’ tkattir fis-settur kummercjali. Il-White Paper hi fjakka hafna dwar analizi ekonomika.

4. Il-GRTU ghalhekk ma taqbilx li tizzarma s-sistema tal-lum qabel ma tkun assigurata dwar alternattiva ahjar ghaliex is-sistema tal-lum ssostni eluf kbar ta’ Maltin li d-dhul taghhom huwa essenzjali ghas-sostenn tal-kummerc f’pajjizna. Wkoll il-GRTU ma tarax htiega ta’ ghagla bla bzonn ghax mhux ser ikun hemm zbilanc fil-pensjoni sas-sena 2011 u mhux previsti problemi kbar qabel is-sena 2025. Il-GRTU ghalhekk ghandha tara li ma jiddahhlux mizuri parzjali bil-ghagla u m’ghandniex nibqghu ngennu n-nies izzejjed dwar l-pensjonijiet qabel ikun hemm ftehim fuq l-iskema kollha mall-partijiet kollha nvoluti, nkluza l-GRTU, f’isem is-self employed. Il-GRTU tfakkar li l-pajjizi li ghagglu u dahhlu sistemi mhux tant differenti minn dawk proposti fil-white paper, illum qed jirreveduhom ghax sabu li ma hadmux kif hasbu.

5. Il-GRTU trid li s-sistema l-gdida tellimina l-ingustizzji li jeziztu illum fejn nies, ghal skuza jew ohra, jinghataw pensjoni f’eta zghira, li kapijiet tal-gvern, ministri u kbarat ohra jinghataw pensjoni aktar minn haddiehor ghal l-istess livell ta’ kontribuzzjonijiet, u fuq kollox qabel ma jinbidel il-mod kif tinhadem l-income tal-ahhar li fuqu tkun bbazata l-pensjoni. Is-sistema li tinhadem illum tiddiskrimina kontra is-self employed. Barra minn hekk fis-sistema ta’ illum min ghandu l-pensjoni riveduta kull sena skond dak li jigri fis-salarji kurrenti u min (self-employed) il-pensjoni taghhom ma tkun riveduta qatt biex b’hekk fuq perjodu ta’ snin jiftaqru. Il-GRTU ma taghti kunsens ghall-ebda bidla jekk ma tkunx assigurata li r-riforma ser issewwi dawn l-anomaliji. Il-GRTU topponi kull proposta bhal dik li issemmiet fir-Rapport dwar is-sistema tal-pensjoni maghmul mill-esperti migjuba mill-World Bank biex s-self employed toghllilhom aktar l-proporzjon ta’ hlas fuq l-income taghhom bhala kontribuzzjoni socjali. Is-self employed m’ghandhom qatt jitpoggew fil-kategorija li jhallsu kontribuzzjonijiet kemm bhala haddiema kif ukoll bhala employers kif inhu propost fir-Rapport tal-World Bank. Din tmur kontra t-trend fl-Ewropa fejn is-self employed qed ikun rikonnoxxut bhala haddiem awtonomu u jinghata l-istess attenzjoni u beneficcji bhalma jinghataw haddiema li jahdmu ghall-paga.

6. Il-GRTU trid li s-sistema tkun cara u li ghal kull livell ta’ hlas ta’ kontribuzzjoni l-pensjoni ghandha tkun ugwali jekk l-ammont ta’ snin ta’ hlas ta’ kontribuzzjoni jkun skond in-numru miftiehem ta’ snin (per ezemplu 40 sena kontribuzzjonijiet jew numru ta’ snin ohra miftehma). Kull diskriminazzjoni ghandha titlaq. Il-kontribuzzjonijiet jithallsu minn kullhadd skond l-istess kriterji u l-hlasijiet ukoll isiru ghal kull kontributur bl-istess kriterji rrispettivament minn fejn kien jahdem. Hadd ma jiehu pensjoni shiha qabel l-eta ta’ 61 sena. L-option ta’ early retirement b’pensjoni shiha tghodd biss ghal min ikun hallas 40 sena kontribuzzjoni. Il-GRTU trid wkoll li titnehha r-restrizzjoni li tezizti illum li min, wara li jsir intitolat ghall-pensjoni wara li jkun hallas in-numru preskritt ta’ kontribuzzjonijiet, ikun imcahhad milli jibqa jzomm licenzji tan-negozju fuq ismu

jew li jibqa f’attivita kummercjali u produttiva. Meta individwu jkun hallas ghas-snin kollha u jkollu dritt ghall-pensjoni ghandu/ha jibqa’ jzomm id-dritt li jibqa attiv ekonomikament.

7. Dwar is-sistema proposta fil-White Paper ta’ First, Second u Third Pillar ta’ pensjoni l-fehma tal-GRTU hi li ghandu jkun hemm Fond ta’ Pensjoni wahda amministrata minn nies professjonali u accountable lejn il-kontributuri li jmexxu skond kriterji approvati mill-Parlament u skond strutturi u regolamenti approvati mill-MFSA. Il-kontributuri jkunu obbligati kif inhuma illum li jhallsu kontribuzzjoni minima fuq l-istess livelli li tithallas illum u li tintitulhom wara 40 sena kontribuzzjoni ghall pensjoni li tkun two thirds ta’ dhul annwali li jkun ekwivalenti ghas-salarju l-aktar li jinghata skond l-istatistika tax-xoghol u salarji – median income. Dan il-livell ta’ dhul jghola kull sena mhux kif tghid il-White Paper skond l-indici tal-prezzijiet, izda skond l-indici tal-pagi industrijali. Dan ghandu jsir biex il-livell ta’ pensjonijiet ma jiddistakkax ruhu mill-livell ta’ pagi imhallsa fil-pajjiz minn zmien ghal zmien. Din l-iskema tkun tifforma l-ewwel pillar tas-sistema tal-pensjoni u tkun obbligatorja bla ebda eccezzjoni u kull kontributur jiehu l-istess pensjoni, jahdem fejn jahdem u hu x’inhu l-grad tieghu.

8. Is-Second Pillar tal-pensjoni jkun ghall-dawk li jew permezz ta’ ftehim kollettiv jew minhabba n-natura tal-kuntratt tax-xoghol jew ghax b’ghazla volontarja taghhom jaccettaw li jhallsu livell ta’ kontribuzzjoni ghola mill-minimu rikjest ghal-First Pillar. It-Tieni Pillar tal-Iskema tal Pensjoni jkun joffri zewg terzi ta’ livell ta’ dhul skond il-paga jew salarju jew dhul dikjarat tal-kontributur qabel ma jirtira mahdum bhala medja tal-ahhar ghaxar snin ta’ dhul tal-kontributur. Dan il-livell ta’ dhul ikun aggustat kull sena skond l-indici tal-pagi industrijali mahdum mill-NSO. Din l-iskema tkun wkoll taghmel parti integrali mill-iskemi tal-Fond Centrali tal-Pensjonijiet u min jaccetta din l-iskema din tidhol flok l-obligu tal-Ewwel Pillar.

9. It-Tielet Pillar tkun offruta wkoll mill-Fond Centrali tal-Pensjonijiet Din l-iskema tkun toffri pensjonijiet addizjonali skond hlasijiet partikulari li l-kontributur jghazel li jhallas. Kontributuri li jghazlu li jhallsu ghall-pensjoni addizjonali taht l-iskema Centrali ma jkollomx l-obligu li jippartecipaw wkoll fl-iskemi minuri. Il-kontributur izda jista jghazel wkoll li ma jkollux it-tielet skema, jew li din it-tielet skema jghamilha mall-privat. Jekk l-kontributur jghazel izda li ghal din l-iskema addizjonali jorbotha ma skemi privati, ta’ assigurazzjoni dwar pensjoni, huwa/hija ma jkunx tista/jista’ jehles mill-obligu li jhallas taht l-iskema tal-pensjoni tal-Ewwel Pillar. L-GRTU trid li jinghataw incentivi fikali ghal min ikun irid ihallas aktar mill-kontribuzzjoni minima. L-inkorraggiment ta’ partecipazzjoni fl-iskemi tat-Tieni u tat-Tielet Pillar hu importanti biex il-livell tal-ghixien tal-pensjonant jibqa’ gholi bizzejjed mhux biss biex issostni lilu innifsu sewwa izda wkoll minhabba l-effett ekonomiku ta’ livell adekwat ta’ infieq mill-pensjonant. Partecipazzjoni qawwija fit-Tieni u t-Tielet skema tal-Fond Centrali tal-Pensjonijiet taghmel l-amministrazzjoni tal-Fond Centrali aktar profitabbli.

10. L-inkoraggiment ghandu jkun li l-kontribuzzjonijiet isiru fl-Iskemi Nazzjonali u mhux fuq Skemi Privati. Il-GRTU hi xettika dwar l-enfasi li qed tinghata fuq skemi ta’ pensjonijiet privati ghax dawn jistghu joholqu riperkuzzjonijiet ekonomici hziena hafna fuq ekonomija zghira bhal Malta jekk dawn il-fondi jghaddu minn perjodu ta’ diffikulta minhabba problemi finanzjarji mondjali. Li jigri hu li meta l-iskemi l-privati jfallu jew jghalqu l-problema taqa’ dejjem fuq l-iskema nazzjonali. Malta hi zghira wisq biex fi zminijiet ta’ diffikultajiet finanzjarji tista terfa wkoll lil min jsib ruhu f’diffikultajiet ghax ghamel ghazliet hziena. Ghalhekk li l-iskema centrali ghandha tkun prioritarja.

11. Il-GRTU ma taqbilx li l-eta tal-pensjoni ghandha titla’ ghal kulhadd b’obligu legali, izda taqbel li ghandhom jinghataw incentivi fiskali lil haddiema li jkunu jixtiequ jibqghu jahdmu u lil employers li jkunu jixtiequ jhaddmu nies ta’ eta’ akbar minn 61 sena. Dan l-incentiv ikun ekwivalenti ghal hlas tal-kontribuzzjoni socjali u aktar biex ikopri l-infieq zejjed ta’ sick leave li nies ta’ certu eta’ jkollhom aktar tendenza li jiehdu. Jinghata wkoll incentiv fiskali lil min joffri li jibqa’ jahdem wara l-61 sena. Dan l-incentiv jkun ekwivalenti ghal hlas tal-kontribuzzjoni socjali u additional tax credit ta’ 10%. Il-gvern xorta jmur tajjeb ghax l-individwu ma jiehux il-pensjoni u jekk ikun ta’ income gholi jhallas ukoll l-income tax. Dan barra li l-ekonomija tgawdi mill-produzzjoni tieghu. Zieda fl-eta ta’ l-irtirar obligatorja anke lil min ikun hallas 40sena kontribuzzjoni, barra li tkun ta’ hsara ekonomika, b’effett negattiv fuq il-produttivita, l-kompetittivita u l-GDP hi wkoll ta’ hsara socjali ghax tisforza numru konsiderevoli ta’ nies li jibqghu jahdmu bilfors fejn kienu meta jistghu jinholqu skemi u incentivi biex persuni ta l-fuq min 61 sena jibqghu attivi ekonomikament mod iehor. Dwar dan wkoll l-GRTU tistenna li jsir studju ahjar.

12. .Il-GRTU temmen li il-Fond Centrali tal-Pensjonijiet ikun f’pozizzjoni finanzjarjament tajba li joffri l-iskemi kollha jekk il-fond jibda fuq bazi soda. Il-GRTU ghalhekk qed tipproponi li bi ftehim mall-Knisja ghandha titpogga parti miftehma mill-proprjetajiet li jaqghu taht il-joint office taht l-kostodju tal-Fond Centrali biex dawn jinbieghu fuq mhedda ta’ zmien jew jinkrew skond kriterji kummercjali u l-introjtu kollu jmur f’dan il-Fond Centrali tal-Pensjonijiet. Il-knisja ghandha tirrikonoxxi li l-bejgh isir skond kriterji kummercjali. L-ghan izda hu socjali u ghalhekk m’ghandhiex tippretendi xi sehem mid-dhul. Il-GRTU temmen li biex tithaddem skema tajba minghajr ma tghabbi wisq fuq min jahdem, l-iskema irid ikollu fond li jibda jiffunzjona b’”dota” ta’ forma jew ohra. Jekk ma jsirx uzu mill-art li kienet tal-Knisja ghall dan l-ghan l-Gvern ghandu jwarrab parti minn dak li jdahhal mill-privatizazzjoni tal-assi pubblici. Il-Fond wkoll jibqa jkun irid ikollu l-

impenn tat-tielet hlas min naha tal-gvern ghall-Ewwel Pillar bhala sostenn tal-komunita’ lil min irtiera wara omor jahdem.

13. Il-GRTU taqbel li qabel ma jsir ftehim dwar kif ser tithaddem u tkun amministrata sistema bbazata fuq Fond Centrali (wahda li ma taghtix lok ghal spalpaljar f’hafna fondi), il-gvern ghandu jzomm is-sistema tal-PAYG (pay as you go) ghax din tirrikonoxxi fatt li ma jistax ikun innegat, il-pensjoni mhiex sempliciment li tiehu lura dak li hallast, izda d-dover tas-socjeta li tipprovdi biex l-anzjani jkollhom livell ta’ ghixien li jikkorrespondi ghall-livell ta’ gid nazzjonali ekonomiku.

14. Il-GRTU mhix kontra fil-principju li l-hlas tal-kontribuzzjoni tinqasam bejn l-iskema tal-pensjoni u l-iskema tas-sahha, izda tkun trid tkun sodisfatta x’infieq ikun ser jidhol taht l-iskemi tas-sahha u li r-rapprezentati nominati mis-settur privat – sidien u haddiema – jkollom kontrol fuq il-budget kemm tas-sahha kif ukoll tal-pensjonijiet.

Ilum ghad m’ghandniex l-istrutturi biex tinhadem riforma bhal din fl-amministrazzjoni tal-finanzi pubblika. Il-GRTU trid tara li l-ewwel issir u tithaddem din ir-riforma. Il-GRTU ma taqbel mal-ebda bidla jekk il-Kont tal-Penzjoni ma jkunx accountable ghall-kontributuri u ma jkunx amministrat bil-partecipazzjoni shiha tas-settur privat.

15. Ir-responsabbilta’ ahharija ghal Fond Centrali tal-Pensjonijiet tkun tal- gvern elett u ta’ l-ebda istituzzjoni ohra bla kontrol demokratiku parlamentari. Mhux lok li dawn il-kontijiet ikunu sparpaljati b’inkoraggiment tal-“opting out” u ta’ fondi zghar privati. Kulhadd ghandu jikkontribwixxi f’kont wiehed. Ghandu wkoll ikun hemm kuntratt socjali bejn l-imsiehba socjali u l-Parlament li jizgura li gvern ma’ jistax jaqbad u jbiddel qabel avviz ta’ 20 sena. Il-GRTU trid tnehhi d-dritt li l-gvern tal-gurnata jiddeciedi indipendentament mill-managers tal-fondi nazzjonali. Il-Fund Managers imexxu skond il-kriterji stabbiliti mill-Parlament u taht is-sorveljanza tal-MFSA u tal-Bord participattiv. Il-pajjiz jixraqlu skema tal-pensjonijiet ahjar u l-Maltin kapaci jfasslu skema ghalihom li tghodd ghac-cirkostanzi ta’ pajjizna. Il-White Paper ma pprovdietx mudell tajjeb bizzejjed ghalkemm indikat linji lil fejn ghandna immexxu. Hu ghalhekk li l-iskema finali ghandha tinkludi bidliet kif rakkomandati mill-GRTU.

Il-GRTU – Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises – illum ferhet lill-Malta Enterprise tas-success li kellha fit-twettieq tal-iskemi ghall-intraprizi zghar u medji. Ghalkemm in-numru ta’ dawk mghejjunien hu zghir hdejn n-numru totali ta’ intraprizi zghar u medji li ghandna f’pajjizna, l-iskemi mhaddmin hu pass fid-direzzjoni t-tajba. Il-GRTU tistenna li l-gvern igib aktar fondi mill-Unjoni Ewropa biex ikunu jistghu jithaddmu aktar skemi ta’ assistenza lil SME’s.

Il-GRTU – Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises – illum ferhet lill-Malta Enterprise tas-success li kellha fit-twettieq tal-iskemi ghall-intraprizi zghar u medji. Ghalkemm in-numru ta’ dawk mghejjunien hu zghir hdejn n-numru totali ta’ intraprizi zghar u medji li ghandna f’pajjizna, l-iskemi mhaddmin hu pass fid-direzzjoni t-tajba. Il-GRTU tistenna li l-gvern igib aktar fondi mill-Unjoni Ewropa biex ikunu jistghu jithaddmu aktar skemi ta’ assistenza lil SME’s.

L-intraprizi zghar Maltin qed isibu li filwaqt li hu relattivament facli biex sidien ta’ intraprizi minn pajjizi ohra fl-Unjoni Ewropea jbieghu f’Malta u jsibu xoghol f’Malta, ghadu iebes wisq ghal Maltin biex jiehdu xoghol fil-kumplament tal-Unjoni.. Kien ghalhekk li l-GRTU oggezzjonat ghat-twettiq immedjat tad-Direttiva dwar is-Servizzi, li ghalkemm fil-pricipju hi tajba izda zgur mhux il-waqt li din tiddahhal f’pajjiz bhal Malta ghaliex il-GRTU temmen li l-intraprizi Maltin jbaghtu ferm biex jikkompetu f’suq ewropew jekk ma jkunux mghejjuna biex jizviluppaw s-sistemi, l-prodotti jew s-servizzi taghhom biex jikkompetu bla xkiel. Hemm hafna intraprizi li bdew u lesti biex iharsu lejn swieq ewropej izda c-cokon tal-intraprizi jesigi li jkun hemm ghajnuna finanzjarja u teknoka lil SME’s Maltin fis-servizzi ghaliex il-cost tal-marketing u ta’ zvilupp hu gholi wisq u wahedhom bla ghajnuna teknika ma jlahqux ghall-hafna snin biex ikunu b’sahhithom li jikkompetu f’suq Ewropew.

Il-GRTU temmen li l-ghajnuna tista tigi diretta jew indiretta f’forma ta’ facilitazzjoni fiskali li taghmilha possibli li s-sdien tan-negozzji Maltin jzommu aktar mill-flus li jaqilghu b’hilithom milli jhallsuhom bilfors f’taxxi. Illum f’hafna negozji l-gvern qed jaqla aktar milli jaqla s-sid wara li dan ikun investa flusu, xogholu u haddem in-nies. Fl-laqgha li l-GRTU kellha mall-Prim Ministru l-GRTU tghat ezempju kif meta jitghaddu l-hlasijiet kollha ta’ licenzji, registrazzjonijiet u kontribuzzjonijiet socjali qed jibqa anqas f’idejn s-sid milli jmur ghand il-gvern. Milli jibqa’ imbaghad tkun trid tithallas it-taxxa. Sfortunatament hafna kelliema tal-gvern u tal-unions, isemmu lil min jabbuza mis-sistema fiskali u konvenjatament jinsew il-maggoranza assoluta li illum thallas regolarment b’mod esagerat it-taxxi kollha imposti fuqha. Il-GRTU temmen li bi skema attraenti li jhajjru lis-sidien izommu aktar fondi ghandhom milli bilfors jghadduhom lill-gvern, jkunu instrumentali biex jizviluppaw aktar l-entraprizi taghhom biex jilqghu b’isfida Ewropea.

L-ixkiel li dejjem jizdied izda, mhux talli mhux qed jaghmilha possibli li jizviluppaw u jinvestu aktar, izda qed joholqu sens ta’ pessimizmu li qed ikisser lil hafna. Aktar milli l-ghajnuna tal-gvern is-sidien tal-intraprizi z-zghar jridu jhaddmu flushom: Il-messagg hu car: tahtfilniex dak li hdimna ghalih u hallina nahdmu.

Waqt li certi Kunsilli Lokali jivvintaw kif jostokolaw lill-kummerce qiesu hemm xi hadd li ghandu ghan nies tan-negozju, hu xieraq li l-GRTU tfahhar pubblikament lill-Kunsilli Lokali li jiehdu inizjattivi favur min jinvesti fil-lokalitajiet taghhom.

Waqt li certi Kunsilli Lokali jivvintaw kif jostokolaw lill-kummerce qiesu hemm xi hadd li ghandu ghan nies tan-negozju, hu xieraq li l-GRTU tfahhar pubblikament lill-Kunsilli Lokali li jiehdu inizjattivi favur min jinvesti fil-lokalitajiet taghhom.

l-inizjattiva tal-Kunsilli Lokali ta’ San Pawl il-Bahar li jghati permessi lil istabilimenti li lesti jinvestu biex jestendu l-facilitajiet taghhom fuq barra, hi azzjoni li l-GRTU tixtieq tfahhar pubblikament. Bis-sahha ta’ dan l-progett sidien tan-negozji issa jistghu jwessghu l-bankini quddiem l-istabilimenti taghhom biex filwaqt li l-pedestrians jibqghu jinqdew, l-istabilimenti ikunu jistghu joffru spazju lil klijenti fuq l-bankina. Dan hu servizz li f’zona bhal San Pawl l-Bahar, l-Qawra u Bugibba jzid l-attrazzjoni tal-lokalita’ bhala zona turistika.

Din hi soluzzjoni li l-GRTU riedet li tkun implimentata flimkien mall-imposizzjoni tal-ban fuq it-tipjip fil-bars u r-restoranti. Dan ghaliex ir-regolamenti imposti effettivament eliminaw it-tipjip fuq gewwa. Bis-support shih tal-Kunsill Lokali ta’ San Pawl l-Bahar diga qed igawdu sittin stabbiliment iehor li issa ser ikunu jistghu joffru spazju gewwa bla tipjip u min irid ipejjep isib spazju barra bla ma jkun qed jostakola lill-hadd.

Il-GRTU tappella biex bhal Kunsill ta’ San Pawl l-Bahar, Kunsilli Lokali ohra jaghtu kaz bis-serjeta biex is-sidien tan-negozji jkunu iffacilitati biex jahdmu aktar u jigbdu aktar xoghol u investiment lejn l-lokalita taghhom.

On the first anniversary of Malta’s accession to the European Union, GRTU – Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, strongly urges Government to change policies, strategies and above all people.

GRTU News Release

Malta Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises

GRTU on Malta’s First Anniversary as EU Member
“Change Policies, Strategies and People”

On the first anniversary of Malta’s accession to the European Union, GRTU – Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, strongly urges Government to change policies, strategies and above all people.

The first year of accession was an essential learning period for most institutions to measure their abilities and strategies against what is needed for Malta to succeed as an effective member of the Union. More importantly it was an essential time for Malta to measure its abilities in pursuit of the opportunities for further economic advancement that EU accession offers.

While on a number of areas we can say with pride that we have been successful, and most noteworthy is the ability shown by many of our representatives, most of them young professionals of who a high ratio are women, participating in the wide ranging EU fora and mechanisms, we have however failed miserably in making the EU reality a positive experience for our people. It has definitely not been a positive experience for proprietors of small businesses and for the sole traders and self-employed.

The European Union experience has for these people been translated into increased bureaucracy, impositions, taxation and a general attitude of Maltese bureaucrats everywhere of “ we know best, you’re not important” GRTU believes that the total result of the highly negative attitude of many bureaucrats towards the owners of small and medium enterprises is that enterprise today believes that Government has no economic vision and they perceive that it is not worthwhile anymore investing in our own country. This is the main reason why GRTU contends that enterprise in Malta is in dire straites.

Unfortunately the pressure from government enterprise owners is increasing as the public sector strives to resolve the financial mess it has landed itself in after the spending spree that Malta has experienced over the last 20 years. Under pressure from Brussels now the Government of Malta must act to resolve its grave financial situation. But government persists in following the wrong strategy. This strategy is based on a vicious cycle. More spending which means more deficits. More deficits leading to more public debts. More public debt means more taxation. More taxation means less consumption and less investments. Less investments means lower GDP. Lower GDP means we are all poorer and less able to pay the taxes imposed on us. Malta must jump out of this dangerous negative spiral.

Enterprise must grow and compete. Competitiveness is essential if economic growth is to become a priority. The burdens that are constantly being imposed on business owners are eating away enterprises’ competitiveness. Entrepreneurs expect strategies to be implemented that succeed to resolve matters and lead to a better future.

GRTU, however, is not convinced that these strategies exist. Too many politicians and too many trade unionists and too many civil society leaders speak as if they know it all and fail to realize one simple and fundamental truth: it is the entrepreneur that is the engine of growth. Investment is created by entrepreneurs. Jobs are created by enterprise. Whether large, medium or small, enterprise must thrive.

Today enterprise in Malta is not thriving. The policies that need to be implemented to give enterprise the enthusiasm to grow, create new investment and plan for a better future, are simply not visible. The future that beckons is dull if we do not resolve this basic fundamental issue. Malta needs to become enterprise-driven. Today Malta is regulation-driven. Malta lacks the vision that matters. Strategies and policies with a dull vision do not inspire confidence. Confidence above all is promoted by the right, positive, enthusiastic people. There are too many people in high positions who not only lack vision but are tired. Some are clearly incompetent.

The Prime Minister must introduce fundamental changes in strategies, policies and, above all, people.

GRTU believes that we can make it, but we need fundamental changes. We can succeed. Indeed we must succeed, but without drastic changes in policies, strategies and above all people, GRTU believes that we will fail. And we cannot afford to fail.

GRTU stresses that change must have one fundamental pivotal point: enterprise.

For Release
April 29th , 2005

On the first anniversary of Malta’s accession to the European Union, GRTU – Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, strongly urges Government to change policies, strategies and above all people.

 

Ghall-okkazjoni tal-eghluq l-ewwel sena ta’ Dr Lawrence Gonzi bhala Prim Ministru u l-ewwel sena ta’ Malta fl-Unjoni Ewropea, l-Kunsill Ezekuttiv tal-GRTU, iltaqa’ mall-Prim Ministru fejn r-rapprezentanti ta’ setturi ekonomici differenti organizzati fil-GRTU, Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, taw analizi ta’ kif sejrin l-affarijiet fid-diversi setturi taghhom.

Ghall-okkazjoni tal-eghluq l-ewwel sena ta’ Dr Lawrence Gonzi bhala Prim Ministru u l-ewwel sena ta’ Malta fl-Unjoni Ewropea, l-Kunsill Ezekuttiv tal-GRTU, iltaqa’ mall-Prim Ministru fejn r-rapprezentanti ta’ setturi ekonomici differenti organizzati fil-GRTU, Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, taw analizi ta’ kif sejrin l-affarijiet fid-diversi setturi taghhom.

Il-President tal-GRTU, Paul Abela u d-Direttur Generali, Vince Farrugia ipprezentaw analizi ta’ kif policies u strategiji differenti tal-Gvern, l-aktar dawk fiskali, qed jolqtu lill-intraprizi zghar u medji li joperaw f’firxa kbira tal-ekonomija Maltija.

Il-mexxejja tal-GRTU sostnew li l-maggoranza tal-haddiema Maltin ma jahdmux mall-gvern jew mall-intrapriza tal-gvern u lanqas ma jahdmu fil-fabbriki, izda jahdmu jew f’intraprizi privati zghar u medji jew bhala self-employed. Il-maggoranza ta’ dawk li jahdmu f’dawn l-intraprizi ma humiex suggetti ghall-ebda ftehim kollettiv milhuq ma xi Union tal-haddiema. Il-GRTU temmen izda li l-istrategiji tal-gvern huma wisq dominanti mill-interessi ta’ dawk li m’humiex attivi fin-negozji z-zghar. Il-mexxeja tal-GRTU sostnew li l-qafas globali ta’ policies tal-gvern huma korretti izda, l-GRTU tqies li l-prioritajiet huma hziena ghaliex m’humiex immirati l-ewwel u qabel kollox biex ikattru l-gid nazzjonali (GDP). Il-GRTU issostni li l-policies tal-gvern kemm dawk fiskali kif ukoll dawk dwar l-intrapriza u l-ekonomija qed jinjoraw kwazi ghall-kollox l-firxa kbira ta’ intraprizi zghar u medji li m’humiex fabbriki ghall-manifattura jew hotels. Il-GRTU issostni li prattikament ma hemm l-ebda ghajnuna ghall-intraprizi z-zghar ta’ pajjizna barra s-settur tal-biedja u sajd.

Il-mexxejja tal-GRTU talbu bidla radikali ghal mod kif il-gvern qed imexxi il-politika tieghu lejn l-intrapriza z-zghira ta’ pajjizna u ghal mod kif is-settur pubbliku jistma lis-sidien tal-intraprizi z-zghar bhala l-uniku rimedju biex is-sidien ta’ negozji z-zghar jergghu jiehdu nifs gdid u fiducja li l-policies tal-gvern ser jahdmu.

Il-Prim Ministru ferah lis-Sur Paul Abela, bhala l-President il-gdid tal-GRTU u l-Ufficcjali u Kunsilliera godda tal-GRTU u esprima r-ringrazzjament u l-apprezament tieghu ghas-servizz siewi li tghati l-GRTU lill-membri u lill-pajjiz. Huwa esprima l-fiducja shiha tieghu li l-mizuri li qed jiehu l-gvern ser jaghtu r-rizultat mixtieq u assigura lil GRTU li ser isir kull sforz biex fejn jista’ jitranga fl-isteress ahjar tal-intraprizi z-zghar ta’ pajjizna, dan ser isir . Il-Prim Minissistru assigura lill-GRTU li hu ser jara li l-apparat kollu governattiv ikun aktar miftuh ghall-htigijiet tal-intraprizi z-zghar Maltin u li jsir dak kollu possibli fic-cirkostanzi finanzjarji ta’ pajjizna illum, biex is-sidien tan-negozji Maltin ikunu facilitati biex ikabbru n-negozju w iharsu l-quddiem b’fiducja gdida.

Numru ta’ Kunsilli Lokali jidher li qed jiehdu l-Ligi f’idejhom u jimponu pizijiet fuq min joffri servizzi fil-kommunita’ li taqa’ taht it-teritorju b’responsabilta tal-Kunsilli Lokali u s-Sindki. Il-Kunsilli Lokali ma jistghux jaqbdu u jimponu hlasijiet li m’humiex koperti bil-Ligi.

Numru ta’ Kunsilli Lokali jidher li qed jiehdu l-Ligi f’idejhom u jimponu pizijiet fuq min joffri servizzi fil-kommunita’ li taqa’ taht it-teritorju b’responsabilta tal-Kunsilli Lokali u s-Sindki. Il-Kunsilli Lokali ma jistghux jaqbdu u jimponu hlasijiet li m’humiex koperti bil-Ligi.

Ezempju car hi l-imposizzjoni ta’ hlasijiet esagerati (sa Lm20 kuljum) imposti fuq kuntratturi li jiehdu kuntratti ta’ xoghol ta’ kostruzzjoni li jinhtieg l-uzu ta’ krejnijiet. Il-kuntratturi qed ikunu kostretti li jhallsu f’certi lokalitajiet (ez: Sliema u St.Venera) ghaliex s-Sindku qed jinsisti li ma johrog permess jekk l-hlas impost minnu ma jsirx. Il-kuntrattur marbut b’kuntratt ta’ xoghol ma jkollux ghazla ohra.

L-Avviz Legali dwar hlasijiet bhal dawn hu car u jimponi biss hlas ta’ Lm1 u l-ebda Sindku ma jista jmur oltre mill-Avviz legali.

Il-GRTU qed taghti Direttiva lill-Kuntratturi biex dawn il-hlasijiet bla forza ma jhallsuhomx u jzommu lill-Kunsilli Lokali li jcahhdu permessi bla dritt legali responsabbli ghad-danni kummercjali kawzati bl-azzjoni taghhom. Il-GRTU wkoll ser titlob li l-hlasijiet migbura bla dritt legali jigu rifondati lura.

Another month, another increase in the inflation rate. At 2.83% inflation in Malta is one of the highest in Europe once countries like Latvia, Estonia and Hungary that enjoy fast economic growth and hence suffer from high inflation, are removed from the average. Once again GRTU states that the Malta rate of inflation is abnormally high as the economy does not reflect the any pressure caused by rapidly growing and expanding economic activity. Inflation should reflect a fast growing output. This is not the case in Malta as both imports and exports are falling and economic growth is stagnant.

A growing Inflation Rate that does not Reflect the True State of the Maltese Economy

Another month, another increase in the inflation rate. At 2.83% inflation in Malta is one of the highest in Europe once countries like Latvia, Estonia and Hungary that enjoy fast economic growth and hence suffer from high inflation, are removed from the average. Once again GRTU states that the Malta rate of inflation is abnormally high as the economy does not reflect the any pressure caused by rapidly growing and expanding economic activity. Inflation should reflect a fast growing output. This is not the case in Malta as both imports and exports are falling and economic growth is stagnant.

Inflation in Malta is not caused by the pressure of economic growth but is caused by increasing costs caused by government induced pressures. Indeed most of these increased costs are not being passed on to the consumers, as current market situation in Malta cannot sustain increased prices for most goods and services.

The increased costs are suffered by owners of businesses and is reflected in reduced profit margins and losses otherwise the inflation rate would be even higher. While profit margins fall and more and more firms register losses the taxation authorities increase the pressure on businesses to pay more and more taxes even if many tax claims are grossly questionable.

GRTU Malta Chamber of SME’s strongly urges Government to give the economy top priority Government policy today is geared towards solving the Budget deficit at all costs. GRTU believes that the top priority should be economic growth.

There will not be any economic growth if entrepreneurs are squeezed out of business.

Government will never solve its Budget deficit problem if the economy remains stagnant.

Mr Paul Abela and Mr Vincent Farrugia President and Director General of GRTU – Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises attended the 56th Executive Board meeting of CONFIAD Pan European Network. Mr Vincent Farrugia is the Vice-President of the Executive Board of CONFIAD which is the European organization representing the national association of Customs Clearance Professionals. Maltese licensed Customs Clearance Agents are members of GRTU.

GRTU News Release
Malta Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises

GRTU’s participation on the European consultation on the Modernised Customs Code

Mr Paul Abela and Mr Vincent Farrugia President and Director General of GRTU – Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises attended the 56th Executive Board meeting of CONFIAD Pan European Network. Mr Vincent Farrugia is the Vice-President of the Executive Board of CONFIAD which is the European organization representing the national association of Customs Clearance Professionals. Maltese licensed Customs Clearance Agents are members of GRTU.

The main item on the Agenda was the draft proposal of the Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union (TAXUD) for the Modernisation of the Community Customs Code. The Community Customs Code has not been reformed for more than 20 years and an extensive programme of consultations have been undertaken by TAXUD to bring forth a consensus on reform of this fundamental European Code that governs the operations of the Community Internal Market in its relationship with the international trading community.

GRTU on behalf of Maltese Customs Agents has through CONFIAD Pan European Network, participated in all the consultation sessions.

During the 56th Executive Board Meeting of CONFIAD held in Lisbon on the 15th and 16th of April considered a position paper presented by GRTU Malta that states the following:

CONFIAD Position on the proposed draft Modernised Customs Code
1. The draft proposals contain therein a number of amendments to the current Community Customs Code that present a real social and economic threat to the employment of thousand of professional customs clearance professionals and other technical, executive and clerical staff that have with dedication given excellent service that was fundamental for the growth of the economies of the member states of the European Union. The service of Custom Clearance Professionals has ensured a high level of security in customs operations as the economies of Europe became increasingly dependent on international trade and the professional service of clearance agents is recognized as fundamental for the collection and safeguard of taxation due at all customs posts of the majority of EU member states.

2. The draft proposals presented by TAXUD have created a widespread and serious situation of economic and social uncertainty that is precluding professional enterprises in the customs clearance sector from expanding and investing further and from expanding their labour force while the Commissioners for Taxation and Customs Union continue to ponder on various drafts and amendments that are not backed by a professional social and economic impact assessment and in the absence of an agreement on content and procedures with all stakeholders. Furthermore the Commissioner for TAXUD has not produced a mitigation plan that will meet the negative impact of the proposals for a Modernised Customs Code.

3. While TAXUD state that the economic impact on the expected growth of the GDP of the European Union is one main objective of the proposed draft modernized custom code, there is no scientific measure of the expected economic gain and no specific argument has been presented as to how and in what form the role of Professional Customs Clearance Agents under the present system is precluding any economy of any member state of the Union from fulfilling its obligations under the Lisbon Agenda. The Board of CONFIAD contends that this issue must be cleared with urgency as European Union economies cannot currently sustain options that rather than growth and economic expansion lead to further unemployment and further difficulties to trade.

4. TAXUD is basing its arguments in favour of a drastically reduced role for the Professional Customs Agents and the creation of a new Authorised Economic Operator on the proposed liberalization of services caused by the proposed Services Directive. CONFIAD contends that the Services Directive as proposed does not refer to Customs Professionals and furthermore now that the proposed Services Directive has been shelved the Commissioner responsible for Taxation and the Customs Union should state publicly that the intention of the Commissioner to proceed with the proposals for a Modernized Customs Code will only become implemented after all comprehensive studies have been concluded and after an agreement is reached with all stakeholders and definitely after an agreement with the legitimate representatives of Customs Clearance Professionals.

5. The Board of CONFIAD in an expression of cooperation with the Commission of TAXUD to produce an agreed proposal for reform of the Community Customs Code acceptable to Customs Professionals is presenting its views on all the draft amendments presented so far by TAXUD thus ensuring that whatever final draft document emerges will be in line with the views of Customs Clearance Professionals.

6. The Board of CONFIAD expresses its solidarity with all Customs Clearance Professions and confirms its unwavering intention to intensify its campaign to have the European Commission recognize the serious technical and economic faults of its current proposals and remedy the situation through a serious and comprehensive agreement with CONFIAD as the recognized representative of the European Customs Clearance Professionals.

For Release
April 20, 2005