Malta Public Transport has denied claims that some of its workers – former Arriva staff – were given contracts renewable monthly or every three months.

“None of Malta Public Transport employees were engaged on one-, two- or three-month contracts,” chief executive, Konrad Pulè, told Times of Malta yesterday.

He was contacted following comments by Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin general secretary Josef Vella, who described the practice as precarious employment, which the union found unacceptable. Addressing a Workers’ Day conference on Wednesday, Mr Vella said the UĦM would seek recognition to be able to make representations on the workers’ behalf.

General Workers’ Union section secretary Jeremy Camilleri also denied Mr Vella’s claim yesterday. The GWU enjoys recognition by Malta Public Transport as representing the absolute majority of public transport workers, including bus drivers.

He invited the UĦM to tackle the issue with management directly if it had any such information.

“We have no knowledge of these types of contracts. I spoke to Mr Pulè and he assured me that it was not the case. If the UĦM has an individual case, it can tackle it directly with the management.

“The impression given was that it was widespread but it seems it’s not the case,” he said.

But Mr Vella stood by his comments when contacted again, saying the union was seeking legal advice on how to best tackle the issue.

“I stand by what I said. Former Arriva workers are concerned about their future because no job guarantee was negotiated or achieved and there is no guarantee that they will be employed by the new transport operator,” he said.