The Communist Party of Malta deplores the dismissal of 56 bus drivers from the public transport company Arriva. The drivers refused to work in protest as they did not accept the changes introduced by the company in the last minute. Employees have all the right to stand with what was agreed upon in the contract.

The party notes that this is a violation of workers’ rights. In such circumstances the company should have accepted their claim as just. The workers should be treated fairly. The way the company addressed the situation, by finally employing foreign workers on a short-term contract was not ideal. This is an indication that the same method will be applied by the company on other industrial disputes.

The unions should be aware, that the hiring of foreign workers will bring about inferior conditions of work and will minimise the union bargaining power. The European Trade Union Confederation classifies this as social dumping.

The Communist Party of Malta expresses its solidarity with those workers who were dismissed from the company without given the right to contest this decision.

The Communist Party also appeals to the company to give workers a more just wage than the one offered. If there is the need, the government should subsidise more the service so all social conditions are met.

■ Victor Degiovanni

Secretary

Communist Party of Malta