Updated at 9.45pm with MPT reaction

Malta Public Transport has got itself into hot water after it allegedly advertised in Pakistan for male bus drivers aged between 25 and 40.

MP Claudette Buttigieg asked the Equality Minister in parliament about the adverts, asking whether the adverts were acceptable and whether the ministry would take any action against the public bus operator.

Equality Minister Helena Dalli said that the adverts were being investigated by the National Commission for Equality.

Malta Public Transport notes that foreign recruitment agencies and/or websites have specified gender specific requirements in adverts or job postings related to bus drivers in Malta.

Malta Public Transport later on Monday issued a statement disassociating itself from any such advert or job posting, saying that there were not approved by the company since they went against its equal opportunities philosophy.

“I welcome, with great enthusiasm, any investigation that the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality will be carrying out on our company for us to demonstrate that that we are truly an equal opportunity employer. This is evident through our values, our philosophy, our work ethics, and most importantly our employees themselves,” Konrad Pule, general manager, said.

He explained that the company employs people irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, nationality, or religious beliefs in many roles including bus drivers, administrative roles, supervisory and management roles, and various other roles.

“We employ over 1,300 people from 38 countries and we always welcome people that share our values to join our team.”