The Transport Ministry yesterday said that both the Union Haddiema Maghqudin and the General Workers' Union had been informed on changes regarding the payment of performance bonuses to Transport Malta workers.

Workers will be getting half their bonus before Christmas while the rest will be paid out in February 2016.

Sources who spoke to this newsroom last week said that workers were infuriated to learn, through a circular, that they would not receive their full performance bonus in time for Christmas. Sources also said that this sort of measure was a first for TM workers.

The circular, seen by this newsroom, said that no performance appraisal form will be accepted, and consequently no performance bonus (resultant balance) will be paid, if not accompanied by the agreed Key Performance Indicators for the year 2016.

But, in reply given today to questions sent by The Malta Independent last week, Transport Malta said that the changes were agreed with both the GWU and UHM.

The following is the full ministry's reply: "Transport Malta revised the way performance bonuses are paid out to make sure bonuses are paid to who deserves them.  

"Performance bonus is paid following an appraisal on the year's performance; it does not make any sense for the full bonus to be paid out before the appraisals. This is in line with the collective agreement.

"Transport Malta will pay half of the eligible bonus before Christmas. Both UHM and GWU were informed."