The Union Haddiema Maghqudin said yesterday it was considering ordering industrial action unless coach drivers who work with private garages were not given their due for the extremely long hours they work.

In order to try to bring the drivers and their employers together to look for a solution to this problem, the union has written to the director of labour and industrial relations to hold a meeting for the two sides.

When contacted, Joe Grillo, the UHM's secretary of the port, transport and aviation section, said coach drivers, who number about 100, work excessively long hours. Legally they are bound to work 46 hours a week but they often do 66 hours a week and are not remunerated for the extra hours.

"Their rate of pay is lower than that of dishwashers," Mr Grillo said.

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