UHM Voice of the Workers and Malta Public Transport have signed a collective agreement which will provide better salaries and conditions to the public transport's employees.

The agreement was reached in a period of three months and Josef Vella from UHM said that this was the time that his Union promised to deliver. UHM CEO also remarked how in this three-month-period, there were no industrial actions taking place. "We want to pass on the message that agreements can be reached without the need to take industrial action."

Mr Vella said that he is proud of this end product which will provide better conditions for the workers. He said that better salary means more motivation which will result in better service being provided.

The aim of the collective agreement is to provide more stability, better conditions and more investment in training to MPT employees. Transport Malta General Manager Conrad Pule' explained that the increase in salary is the result of a €2 million investment. He told those present that this collective agreement covers all of the employees at the MPT, and not just drivers.

The agreement also provides for a better work-life balance for drivers by having shorter duties and the possibility of having an additional day off each week. It will also commit to providing private health insurance for all employees.

Video & photos: Jonathan Borg