Union Haddiema Maqghudin this morning ordered a two hour strike over a dispute with the transport company over union recognition. The union had threatened to strike if the new bus operator does not officially recognise the union as the sole union representing the company’s workers.

According to the UHM, the new bus operator is “threatening” the union that the verification process, normally conducted with the aim of officially recognising a union as being representative of a company on the pretext that it represents the majority of workers of a company, will not be conducted unless UHM hands over sensitive data of its members to the company.

This morning UHM ordered its members within the public transport service to not operate their bus routes between 7am and 9am. The union is not excluding escalating its industrial actions between 4pm and 6pm. Private contractors were called in this morning to fill the gaps.

In comments to the media, UHM Secretary General Josef Vella insisted that public transport workers should have the right to join a union of their own choosing. Mr Vella said discussions will continue during the day and if no solution is found the union might order another strike between 4pm and 6pm. The unions could also continue its industrial actions in the coming days.

Ministry says GWU has majority

In a statement, the Transport Ministry said the UHM failed to prove that the majority of transport workers are enrolled with it. On the other hand it is clear that the GWU still has a majority, said the Ministry.

The Ministry said it had invited the UHM to discuss the matter and reach an agreement over the verification process but the union went ahead with the strike. Minister Joe Mizzi condemned situation, which is of detriment to the public. He appealed for responsibility from all sides.

Public transport statement

In another statement, Malta Public Transport said that the bus service is operating normally. It said it had a contingency plan specifically for the event of a strike. 

GWU insists it has majority

The General Workers Union is insisting that it has the majority of workers as its members. This can be verified by the amount of membership fees that have been paid, Jeremy Camilleri, GWU secetary aviation and transport, said.

"We have more than 50%," he said. This morning's strike is a vote of no confidence in the UHM because only 23 of the more than 900 employees obeyed the UHM's directives.

Transport ministry reacts

Later on during the day, the transport ministry expressed its dissapointment after UHM decided to go ahead with the directive.  In a press release, the ministry stressed on the importance that such service continues to be provided effectively. Minister Joe Mizzi urged UHM to assume responsability.