The union representing bus drivers has decided not to issue directives to them and is optimistic an agreement will be reached with Arriva over the split shift system.

The general secretary of the General Workers’ Union, Tony Zarb said he was optimistic a solution would be found during the meeting, adding that, in the circumstances, the union would not issue any directives, as originally planned.

On Monday, Mr Zarb said he would instruct drivers not to work more than one split shift a week, in line with their contract, and gave Arriva until yesterday to ensure the split shift limit was not exceeded.

When contacted yesterday, Mr Zarb said the union had remained “in contact” with Arriva and agreed to meet early next week.

He assured the public the union’s aim was to find a solution and not cause chaos.

Drivers, who refused to work split shifts, had held a protest the day before Arriva took over as public transport provider in early July. At the time, the GWU had criticised workers who took unilateral action by not reporting for work and insisted that the company should be allowed some time to develop a new shift.

On the first day of service, about 180 drivers did not turn up giving rise to a chaotic start to the new service. This was compounded by a series of other problems that included faulty ticketing machines and bus breakdowns. Arriva later pledged the service would be running efficiently by Sunday.