The Union Haddiema Maqghudin (UHM) today said that it represents 70 per cent of public transport workers, and warned Malta Public Transport not to sign a collective agreement with the rival General Workers' Union.
Addressing a press conference shortly after filing a warrant of prohibitory injunction, UHM General Secretary Josef Vella called it a shame that the union had to resort to the courts in order to stop MPT and the GWU from signing a collective agreement that does not have the backing of the majority of the workers.
“All the workers want is for a vote to be called [on union recognition], we will then respect their decision. It is important that workers are given the voice that they deserve. We have presented documents in court showing that the UHM represents 70 per cent of MPT's workforce,” Mr Vella said.
Mr Vella warned that if MPT goes ahead and signs the collective agreement with the GWU, his union reserves the right to renegotiate any clauses that it does not agree with.
The UHM also filed a judicial protest against the GWU and MPT, asking to be recognised as the sole union representing the majority of workers.
In the protest, the UHM said 755 of the 1090 workers at MPT are members of the union.
Lawyer Ian Spiteri Bailey filed the judicial protest and warrant of prohibitory injunction on behalf of the union.