GWU considers legal action after TM 'fines' drivers for not wearing tie

M.L. Abela

Jul 20th 2012, 13:08

I am a Maltese coach driver working for National Express Coventry. We are issued with ties but are free to wear them or not... in the UK ! where I felt 'rather hot' maybe 10 times in two years.
In Malta where the heat is murderous for at least four months a year (even wearing a light shirt two buttons undone) it's silly to insist on drivers wearing ties.
It may be nice and cool in the saloon where the air conditioning can work efficiently, and with tinted glass but in the drivers cab with the continuous opening/ closing of the doors and the massive clear wind-shield it can get seriously hot.
Discipline is good but should be focused on driving standards, courtesy, safety, customer care etc.

Kirsten Sacco

Jul 20th 2012, 00:27

First of all I don't know how the tie should affect the drivers since the buses should all have AC unless the buses have a problem with it or something obviously, although, on the other hand, I agree with the action GWU took...we need to wake up and do something because we have been giving up all our rights as workers and I think nowadays nothing matters any more for employees and then they grumble that most of the things are not fair(but still when it comes to taking action none of them come forward!!!)

And pls (@ John Vernon and others who think the same about Trade Unions)...trade unions are there to guide you so that an action is taken to pinch employers and bring to their attention that there is something wrong...and not as you said so that they could operate...in Maltese. And I think 'contributors that work in hot kitchens' do not wear ties ?! And the purpose of trade unions is to stick their noses to help their members, so get it together!!

john vernon

Jul 19th 2012, 17:56

Since when did the GWU own and operate Arriva, if they do maybe its them we should be blaming for the shambles.
They say its too hot for the wearing of ties do they do the same for their contributors that work in hot kitchens etc.
This country abides by OSHA 18001 ( apparently) there is nothing in the act that states an upper or lower working temperature limit.
Come on GWU get your act together and stop trying to stick your nose in until your operatives ask you, and then your are only there to negotiate, not control.

James Dewar

Jul 19th 2012, 17:46

I wonder who will be the first driver to strip off the shirt and hang it over the back of the seat? (whilst continuing to wear the mandatory uniform tie of course)

jay smith

Jul 19th 2012, 17:35

That is strange, i thought fines can only be given, if someone breaks the law. no law was brocken here. so what happens if driver refuse to pay fine? will he have to go to court? get electric chair? TM never seems to amaze me.

James Dewar

Jul 19th 2012, 17:26

I do enjoy an "Arrivarant" and there have been many of them in the last year. However this one must rank as the silliest and most trivial and can surely be seen as a petty joust between Arriva and GWU. Had GWU not blundered in with their "edict" to drivers not to wear ties and had negotiated the issue with Arriva then we may not be contributing these comments. On the part of Arriva it would have been sensible to acknowledge the concerns at how the matter had been raised and then issue an instruction that ALL drivers were to remove thir ties during the hot summer period (thereby achieving uniformity!). Whilst the events of the past year suggest that research and forward planning carried out by Arriva when tendering for the contract was seriously flawed it should have been obvious to them that Malta was very hot in summer and due allowance therefore made in respect of appropriate uniform requirements e.g a short sleeved "polo shirt" type garment designed to be worn with an open neck and no tie! I don't blame the drivers for not wanting to wear ties in summer but it's a pity the matter was raised in such a confrontational manner by GWU.

leli farrugia

Jul 19th 2012, 16:45

ahjar jaraw l overloading ta passigieri li qed issir qabel tigri xi dizgrazzja milli l ingravata

Mrs diana cottis

Jul 19th 2012, 16:30

So now TM want to fine bus drivers for not wearing ties. Correct me if I am wrong but surely there are more pressing problems awaiting their attention; gridlocked roads, potholes, incomplete roadworks, unsatisfactory VRTs, unregistered vehicles, boat trailers without rear lights,dangerous loads, boats too near the shore etc. Would anyone care to add more? If they have time to search for missing ties and rude numberplates then something is seriously amiss at TM.

Peter Murray

Jul 19th 2012, 16:15

The Police are excused from wearing a necktie

Peter Murray

Jul 19th 2012, 16:14

What are the women drivers wearing?

Mr B. Fenech

Jul 19th 2012, 15:57

Discrimination ghax jilbsu Tie? Ahjar ghalihom jekk l-uniformi, jirrezenjaw.

Godfrey Sultana

Jul 19th 2012, 15:40

So a waiter should not wear his bow tie or weddings in summer everybody with shorts. Come on it's freezing in a bus.
That' the uniform and these should wear it otherwise we go to the old system bil flok ta taht tac-cingi.

Mark Micallef

Jul 19th 2012, 14:33

Who cares whether or not they wear a tie?! So long as they do their job well and drive safely, does a tie really make so much of a difference?

I think its more important that they stop driving on the bike lane on the coast road (which lately they seem to have got into the habit of doing).

Edwin Spiteri

Jul 19th 2012, 14:18

Jekk skond il-ftehim id-drivers iridu jilbsu l-ingravata allura dawn iridu jimxu skond il-ftehim. Min naha taghha l-Union ghanda tipprova tasal fi ftehim sabiex id-drivers ikunu ezentati milli jilbsuha f'certu xhur tas-sena meta s-shana tkun qawwija.

Edwin Spiteri

Jul 19th 2012, 14:14

Jekk ir-regola hi li d-driver irid jilbes ingravata allura jrid jilbisha. Nahseb li hija min naha tal-Union sabiex f'kas li s-shana tkun qawwija allura jippruvaw jaslu ghal xi ftehim biex id-drivers f'certu xhur tas-shana ikunu ezentati milli jilbsuha.

Jessica Smith

Jul 19th 2012, 14:10

Philip Hili u l-bqija li qed tikkummentaw kontra l-haddiema u l-GWU.
Komplu uruna kemm qalbkom tahraqkom ghall-haddiema.
Ifthu ghajnejkom haddiema minn min irid izommkom ilsiera kif kontu qabel.
Nahseb li kieku l-HDURA li hawn ghall-haddiema kienet tissarraf f'voti kieku l-AD kienet titla sparata ma' l-ewwel count.

Jessica Smith

Jul 19th 2012, 14:07

Those slave drivers at TM should be held to account PERSONALLY because they are issuing the orders.
They are inhuman slave drivers.

G Schembri

Jul 19th 2012, 14:03

Why such a fuss over a tie? Drivers should be required to wear a smart uniform. Is it so difficult to come up with a smart summer uniform? Drivers should be required to be well mannered(which they are). Commuters should learn good manners as well, sometimes the way they talk to and treat the drivers leaves a lot to be desired. It doesn't cost much to say please and thank you (and mean it) or good morning etc when talking to a driver or anyone giving us a service even if they are paid to do so.

Tony Zammit

Jul 19th 2012, 13:32

http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/index.htm

NO COMMENT

Tony Zammit

Jul 19th 2012, 13:24

The way I see it, Arriva routes have been changed for the so called better, So why can’t this tie bit be changed as well, regardless of their contract. Us passengers might be more safe. Give you an example if the drivers faint due to heat; don’t tell me that all buses have their A/C working because you wrong the one I had to ride this morning A/C was out of order.

Jay Oatmon

Jul 19th 2012, 13:22

If the GWU gets its way we will be back to shorts and T shirts and the sloppy driving habits of the past.
Arriva must stand firm and insist on compliance with its rules for it's staff - comply or leave.

Jay Oatmon

Jul 19th 2012, 13:20

This GWU should not be getting into dress codes - that decision is for the Company which pays the wages of the drivers.

The drivers can resign if they do not wish to comply with company regulations - its not rocket science these are drivers just like you and I.
There is a tiny minority of people who cannot drive in this world - so these are not irreplaceable drivers - if they don't want to work as instructed then Arriva should let them go and replace them.

anthony vella

Jul 19th 2012, 12:54

Jien ha nikkummenta fuq l-ingrava mhux ta l-arriva imma waqt tieg wara nofs inhar bejn nofs inhar u s-sitta,il-waiters li kienu qed iservu kienu lebsin qmis bil-kmiem twal u ngravata u bis-shana li kienet rajt l'gharaq ta fuq gbinhom jaqa fuq l-ikel li kienu qed iservu.Allura hekk sew wara li forsi gew jaqalaw lira ghal familja tlibbishom dak it-tip ta lbies ghax parti mil-uniformi,dik insejhilha mohqrija

Joe Fenech

Jul 19th 2012, 12:14

A polo shirt would have been sufficient.

Gillian Snook

Jul 19th 2012, 12:09

As long as they are looking smart and have the Arriva logo on their shirt, surely that should be sufficient during these ridiculously hot summer months.
As a customer my top priority is that they are polite and efficient.

Mark Jr. Laferla

Jul 19th 2012, 11:56

Well done TM. Glad to see that the GWU bully-tactics are being counter-acted.

simon ellul sullivan

Jul 19th 2012, 11:37

ahh if ONLY one day we get a government with some guts... replace all slackers with the unemployed and hey presto we'll have an efficient country

Mr Mark Borh

Jul 19th 2012, 11:02

If it is part of their uniform they should wear them, that's all there is to it.

R Slater

Jul 19th 2012, 11:01

So let me get this right. TM are govt based regulator, who have contracted a private company to run the public transport. Then surely the fines should be passed onto the contractor and not their employees....But in any case as a manager, the negotiation is a no brainer...fine don't wear your ties...then when the union asks for better wages and salaries, you plead that you have already given into demands from the workforce...Look they don't have to wear their ties....win win for everyone.

Frederick Gauci

Jul 19th 2012, 11:01

Mr.Joseph Borg, I read only 2 of your comments and cannot take it more, so I decided to answer you. BUt before I want to ask you 1 simple question.

Before putting your comments did you understand the title of the whole argument? GWU is considering legal action against TM not ARRIVA, so why in your comments you are blaming Arriva?

Thanks maybe now you will understand what this is all about.

Philip Hili

Jul 19th 2012, 10:44

Imma kif dejjem dawn l-erba minn nies li ma ghandhom jaghmlu xejn hlief itelfu l-progress jitkelmu!!!

Sewwa, il-Gvern jibni u l-GWU thodd!!!

Possibbli dawn is-sinjuri tal-GWU qatt ma siefru u raw kif ikun libsin ix-xufiera tat-trasport, sew dak publiku kif ukoll dak privat?

M Attard

Jul 19th 2012, 10:27

Should we now go to court without a tie and blazer because of the heat? Ma ndahhqux!

R Saliba

Jul 19th 2012, 10:13

ohh come on people - The tie is part of the uniform so it must be worn - in a contract some things are not written because they are obvious (like where you have to wear your tie and how)

I don't like going to work in shirts rather then a thin strap shirt but those are the rules and you have to obide by them.

Buses are fully air conditioned so no excuse - if you can't stand the tie around your neck just loosen it a bit and don't fasten the top button - something similar to what we used to do in secondary school - is it so difficult? we all went to school which had uniforms with either a tie or bow...

overall - GET OVER IT and just wear it - it doesn't really affect how hot you feel - its just around your neck and a piece of material down the middle...

Mr G Naudi

Jul 19th 2012, 10:08

Why is it always the same! it seems either the GWU staff never worked in the private sector or the Arriva driver never did or more like both. if a company makes a policy prior to joining the said company they new what they were signing up for. if they do not like it, the answer is simple. Leave the job and find one which has a policy of no tie, but you do not expect to force the employer to change his ways. GWU please change to the 21st century and get over the 20th!

John L Galea

Jul 19th 2012, 10:08

It's better if they focus on the service and do not waste time on a freakin tie.

Anthony Arpa

Jul 19th 2012, 10:03

Jina nara li dawn il haddiema tal Arriva huma contract workers . Dan bil barka tal unions li accetaw din is sistema li qed tintuza min kwazi l-employers kollha dik li jimpjegaw xi haddiema godda li jimpjegaw u juzaw lil dawn il haddiema f'dak il perjodu li jkollom bzonom BISS .. Issa sakemm ma jsierx xi haga ohra dwarhom ... dawn il haddiema ta l-Arriva ghandhom biss jonoraw il kuntratt li dahlu ghalieh ... Meta haddiem ikun biss kontract worker ftit jista jillieled ghad drittijiet tijaw .Dan ghaliex kif jasal biex jaghlaqlu il kuntratt min ihadmu jkollu kull dritt li ma jgeddiejx il kuntrat ta dawk il haddiema li jidirlu hu ...

Adrian Pavia

Jul 19th 2012, 09:52

Warn them, then sack them if they don't obey. It was in their contract to wear the tie. If they have a problem they can find another job. We're fed up of bullies!

Kevin Muller

Jul 19th 2012, 09:51

First of all TM should fine Arriva for sending buses on the road without or not properly working AC's. Who can expect a driver wearing a tie in a 40C+ hot bus ? I do not expect a driver to wear a tie during the hot maltese summertime as long he/she is dressed smart and clean and acting polite and customer oriented. Arriva should finally have realised that they are running their business in a hot mediterainian country and not in UK,or Germany, even it can get quiete hot there as well and nobody blames the drivers for taking off their tie when temperatures getting too high. I think that TM should get it's priorities right first and work on more important issues before blaming the drivers for not wearing a tie. Just rediculous !

Lawrence Civelli

Jul 19th 2012, 09:46

I dont understand mr Borg's argument to defy Arriva's dress code,the company has a uniform and the Tie
is part of it,if you dont like to wear a Tie and look good ,you should quit and go drive a garbage truck,there nobody cares about your appearance. Is this another Union ploy to keep drivers from leaving.

C Cassar

Jul 19th 2012, 09:43

This is all part of dragging the Maltese service economy kicking and screaming into the 21st century directly from the 19th century. The GWU are clearly out of data, out of touch and irrelevant if their only problem is whether their members where a tie or not.

The uniform specification is in the employees contract. A breach of contract should lead to a warning followed by disciplinary action followed by termination of contract.

There is a global economic slowdown and many, many people with a good worth ethic will be willing to step into the shoes of those Arriva employees who can't be bothered to appreciate when they are very well off by even having a job in the first place.

As I said before, the action of the GWU will open the gates to more foreign EU workers entering the Maltese employment market which can nly be a good thing if the Maltese aren't interested in working for a living.

Michael Schembri

Jul 19th 2012, 09:41

It is simple, when on bus: 1-Put the air-condition on (as some are not doing so)
2-You get cooled.
3-Put the tie on (now that you are cooled you can't complain)
4-Now you can do your job (a job is your signature so do it right)

Ramon Casha

Jul 19th 2012, 09:37

Is Transport Malta a subsidiary of Arriva?

Dave Alan Caruana

Jul 19th 2012, 09:20

While the GWU can issue any directive it pleases, I don't think that a GWU directive should automatically override an employees contract. In that spirit, while the GWU can order its members to wear or not wear a tie, they can follow or not follow that order, and TM / Arriva can enforce the conditions it set in its employment contracts about rules being broken. I fully agree with drivers refusing the drive buses where the airconditioning is not working, but not wearing the correct uniform while on the job is unprofessional.

E. Azzopardi

Jul 19th 2012, 09:15

This was one of the first mistakes. You either wear a time properly or not at all. But don't we have anything else "important" to do in this country? If it has been decided to remove the ties, why fine the drivers? Why doesn't Transport Malta decide to give our country an efficient Transport Management Programme and not these nik-naks? There is so much to do as regards transport and traffic and we are concentrating on the ties, as if the transport will become as efficient as we were told it would be (it is not) because the drivers wear their ties properly! L'abito non fa il monaco!!!

J Cachia

Jul 19th 2012, 09:13

It is better that Arriva see that the buses are on time according to timetables than waste time about ties. Passengers do not mind if a driver is not wearing a time — but he minds if his bus does not come on time or does not come at all!

Peter Murray

Jul 19th 2012, 09:10

Also why no fines for all the many othermore dangerous violations perpetrated by Arriva drivers such as not indicating when turning,driving at excessive speed,not stopping in the allotted space at bus stops to name but a few!

R. Borg

Jul 19th 2012, 09:08

Il- bully ma zghir irrid jghamel l-arja.

Peter Murray

Jul 19th 2012, 09:05

Preposterous stance by TM and a surefire way to provide further disruption to passengers.As is the stance by our law courts as you(and by you I mean men only as women can wear anything they like -or next to nothing at all) can also be fined for not wearing a necktie in court .How ridiculous and inflexible!

Lawrence Fenech

Jul 19th 2012, 09:01

Malta tal-Maltin?

Graham Holme

Jul 19th 2012, 08:55

Having worked in the UK,,bus,coach driver would like to comment.
The area I worked,,the drivers were issued uniform shorts to wear,,summer time,,,as we all know,,the British summer,,no where near as hot as Malta
Food for thought

Antoine Fiott

Jul 19th 2012, 08:55

Let's not have a crisis because of a tie. Why not just change the uniform?

Carmelo Sammut

Jul 19th 2012, 08:50

Ikun iktar ghaqli li TM tara id disastru tat toroq f pajjizna u tahdem programm sewwa u bil ghaqal ghal gid ta kullhadd milli toqghod tahli l hin fuq dawn l kumidji.

B. Storace

Jul 19th 2012, 08:48

The GWU does not manage Arriva, but the Arriva management does. It can issue a directive to all staff enforcing or relaxing a rule or two but not the GWU. This is a bullying tactic. If the GWU was really concerned about a tie they should have brought the matter up with the Arriva management but definitely not take matters in their own hands; by whose authority and by whose right have they acted in this dictatorial way. Is this shades of things to come? The GWU has ruined some companies in the past and yet they still believe that they can wield a wand and hey-presto. Well done Arriva management. Stick to your guns and insist that all personnel wear the prescribed and approved uniform if they want to remain in your employ.

Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO

Jul 19th 2012, 08:43

What a ridiculous anachronism to require drivers to wear a tie in our hot summers, Closing a shirt with atie increases enormously the heat retained within the body. Even the British army and navy had realized that in climate like ours a different uniform was required including the use of shorts and socks (hence Bermuda shorts). A smart turnout has nothing to do with wearing a useless accessory like a tie . Hardly anyone now wears a tie in the workplace and a smart turnout should emphasize more on drivers sporting a clean and ironed shirt, neat trousers and polished shoes plus brushed hair and a clean shaven face.

J Farrugia

Jul 19th 2012, 08:41

What has TM got to do with Arriva in this case? Arriva is a private company surely they have the management in place to take care of their own staff? TM should concentrate on them sorting out the routes and the roads. Petty things like this are not going to effect the passenger. but surely TM have better and more important things to do.

Michael Schembri

Jul 19th 2012, 08:37

It is simple, when on bus: 1-Put the air-condition on (as some are not doing so)
2-You get cooled.
3-Put the tie on (now that you are cooled you can't complain)
4-Now you can do your job (a job is your signature so do it right)

Mr C Galea

Jul 19th 2012, 08:32

This is a joke for sure. I want to know what actions they take about arrogant drivers? (but of course the answer is we dont have any? ) what actions they take about bad driving drivers? .
what actions they take about anything more serious than not wearing a tie?
I once worked for a company that wanted its staff to wear ties when travelling within the company's network
I also remember arriving in the middle of australia at then called ayres rock ,hot like hell and we were the only people wearing ties. instead of being incognito which was the company idea we stuck out like saw thumbs. thing did change since then. no ties are now required.
why not try to keep improving your services?

G Schembri

Jul 19th 2012, 08:26

Why doesn't TM issue more fines against Arriva for not providing the service provided. I wouldn't care if the drivers are wearing a tie or not as long as they get me to work on time.

Alfred Gatt

Jul 19th 2012, 08:22

I will not enter into the legal issue but they do look much more elegant with their ties, besides they also have airconditioning in the buses.

Joseph Borg

Jul 19th 2012, 08:19

kieku jiena biex nisfidha lill tal Arriva I would wear the tie Rambo style as a protest! bhal ma jilbsuwha xi erba fit tigiejiet wara li jkunu fis sakra in simple words. I don't think anywhere in their contract their is written that the tie should be worn around their neck!

il logika ghanu jkun ma tezistix gol Arriva!

M cauchi

Jul 19th 2012, 08:04

what the problem wearing a tie, in an airconditioned bus? if they were out directing the buses at the terminal, i would have understood.. but in an airconditioned bus???

Kenneth Galea

Jul 19th 2012, 08:00

I always believed that there are exceptions to the rules. Does TM realise that we are having the hottest, stifling summer ever???? They could therefore lax the rules. What about health and safety rules? I thing the GWU has a valid case and should take TM together with Arriva to court on health and safety grounds. In the UK where the cliamte is generally cool most city people are no longer suited and booted, they appear to have ditched the tie and that includes MP's and Ministers alike. The GWU must put its foot down about this ludicrous idea which TM is insisting on. It is well and said for TM to insist on image but the climate here in Malta dictates otherwise especially this notorious summer of 2012!!!!!

Anthony Pace

Jul 19th 2012, 07:54

An all out strike is what is needed against Arriva and TM in order to teach these autocrats a good lesson. Without drivers both Arriva and TM are nothing.