GRTU issues fish directive at market

The General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU) has issued a directive to fish sellers not to buy fresh fish from the main fish market in Valletta. The directive was ordered in light of the manner in which prices are being calculated at the market, which, the GRTU insists, is over-inflating their value.

The GRTU said that hawkers and retailers alike are facing difficulties, which is making it impossible for them to compete fairly with foreign sellers and others not licensed as sellers.

The GRTU expressed its hope that the government would immediately initiate talks leading to a just and equal system for all. With the present system it is the hawker, the licensed fishmonger and the consumer who are finding it difficult to cope, as they are forced to reach deep into their pockets to settle extraordinarily high bills. In some cases during certain periods, the GRTU explains, inferior products are being sold at higher prices than they should be, as the best fish is being bought directly from foreigners.

The GRTU will call a meeting to discuss what other actions could be taken in order for the situation to be resolved.