Bus commuters are likely to have difficulty getting to work and back today, after the General Workers’ Union ordered a six-hour public transport strike.
The strike has been called for 8am to 11am and from 4pm to 7pm.
However, Malta Transport Services said last night that 50 per cent of the service must be provided in terms of the law, so it would ensure that half the drivers on duty will be working.
It appealed to the public to plan their journeys, given that the frequency on all services will be reduced.
Transport Minister Joe Mizzi expressed disappointment at the strike action, saying he had intervened in an attempt to facilitate an agreement but there was no breakthrough despite all efforts.
In an announcement, the GWU said the company, owned by Spanish company Autobuses de Leon (Alesa), was refusing to give back to employees the part of their pay which was cut because they had not worked the hours stipulated in their contract. This was not permissible at law without the workers’ consent.
It said negotiations had been carried out and a strike planned for May 2 had been averted but the company continued to drag its feet. The strike was called in all sections of the company.
The union apologised to the public for the inconvenience, adding it was left with no option but to take industrial action.
But the company denied the GWU’s claim and said all refunds had been made, even for hours which its drivers had not worked.
The minister said hundreds would be affected by the strike and called for further negotiations in a bid to resolve the dispute.
Meanwhile, student organisation SDM condemned the action, which it said would affect students sitting for Matsec exams.
Rival union Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin ordered a bus strike last March in a dispute over recognition. The two-hour strike was described by the union as a “success”, but the company said there had been no major disruptions.
The Spanish company officially took over the transport service last January. It received a €23 million subsidy this year and will get €29 million next year.