Updated | Drivers refuse to drive Arriva buses without air-conditioning

Arriva officials will be meeting union representatives this afternoon to find a way to mediate the current impasse between both sides until formal talks planned for the middle of this week take place.

The local bus operator issued an apology to the general public that was affected by the action ordered by the General Workers Union, after bus drivers refused to drive the buses without air-conditioning systems.

"99% of our busses are equipped with air-conditioning units. The company is also undergoing a process to install additional units on all busses, which work directly on the drivers cabin and most of Arriva's fleet has already been fitted with such units.  This process will be complete in the coming weeks," Arriva said.

Arriva drivers this morning embarked on an industrial action, refusing to drive their buses that lack an adequate air conditioning system.

In a statement, the General Workers Union (GWU) said that Arriva was threatening the drivers with disciplinary actions, including not paying them for the hours they strike.

"We condemn the threats being made by Arriva, when the drivers are only obeying a legitimate directive issued by the union. Arriva has no right to intimidate or take action against the drivers," the GWU said.

The union said that the lack of an air conditioning system had been one of the issues being discussed for almost a year with the public transport operator.

"Arriva had all the time in the world to find a solution to this issue. Now it has to suffer the consequences of its inefficiencies," the union said.

The GWU added that buses will not be driven unless they are according to the standards issued by the transport authority.