Arriva has categorically denied an allegation that it is keeping its employees from joining the Union Ħaddiema Maqgħudin.

Employees were always given the full freedom to join the union of their choice, the company said.

It denied a statement issued this week by UĦM, which claimed that Arriva employees were being hindered from becoming its members.

The transport operator said the General Workers Union was the recognised union because it represented the majority of employees.

“Arriva’s management has consistently and continuously collaborated with unions and their representatives, and has every intention of continuing to do so,” the company said.

The GWU has accused the rival union of trying to poach Arriva employees, a claim the UĦM denies.