The public transport operator “did not threaten” mechanics, according to MPT General Manager Konrad Pulè, but the company cannot possibly retain bad work practices that have been used for the past four years.

The Union Haddiema Maqghudin (UHM) last week accused MPT of trying to change the work conditions and hours of its mechanics and said workers were threatened that they would be replaced by foreign workers if they did not comply.

But in an interview due to be published tomorrow in The Malta Independent, Mr Pulè says no workers were threatened. “At the moment we are in dialogue with employees from various sections and the recognized union. As a company we cannot keep things the way they have been run for the past four years. We need to be more efficient both operationally, and financially. We have to find a way to strike a balance between the needs of our workers, which is very important, and those of the company.”

Mr Pulè said no one was threatened, and the company is explaining to its workers that certain changes had to be made. “For example in the workshop, it is important that we carry out most of our maintenance work during the night, when most of the buses are not being driven on the routes. This will allow us to have more buses available during the day. Obviously there are some workers who are more used to working during the day and who will find it hard to change their ways. I understand them. What we are doing is to try and attract more people to work during night hours.”

The company is also seeking changes to the drivers’ rostering system. “The way in which their duties are being assigned today is neither good for them nor for the company. We are very close to finding a solution that is acceptable for all parties.  Our door is always open to discuss,but at the end of the day we have to find better ways to operate.”

In tomorrow’s interview, Mr Pulè also speaks about MPT’s financial situation and its plans for the coming months, the tallinja card, which the company claims was a big success, despite the botched launch, and the increase in bus passengers.