GWU orders bus service strike to air show

The General Workers’ Union has instructed bus drivers not to operate a service to the Malta Air Show today in protest over pending issues with public transport operator Arriva.

The union said it had registered an industrial dispute with Arriva over payment of overtime and the split shift issue after three weeks of discussions.

The union warned Arriva that should it attempt to use British drivers on a service to the air show it would ask the British transport union Unite to recall these drivers to the UK. In a statement later, Arriva said the GWU had rejected all the offers made by the public transport operator, including the offer of a more comprehensive package, made on Friday, and an immediate pay rise and confirming payment for additional hours.

Arriva urged the GWU to suspend its industrial action and consult with their members about the offers made and look to conclude the matter, rather than hurt passengers who want to go to the air show “and distract Arriva Malta from the major task of delivering continued improvement in service to the travelling public”.