Updated | UHM orders two-hour bus strike, MPTS threatens pay cuts

The Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) has announced strike action for bus drivers employed with the Malta Public Transport Services on Thursday between 6pm-8pm, which will bring all service to a halt.

The directive was launched in a bid by UHM to prove that it has majority recognition inside the MPT amongst employees, after the Industrial Tribunal confirmed that MPT should carry out an audit of union recognition.

“For months UHM has been insisting that it has the majority inside MPTS. But so far we have seen obstacles to the verification process being carried out.”

The UHM has also organized a meeting for the port and transport section workers during the strike action. “We are determined to allow MPT employees to choose the union of their choice, and work hand in hand with them to improve their working conditions.”

In a reaction, the Malta Public Transport Services claimed the strike was illegal, and that no verification process could take place due to warrant of prohibitory injunction upheld by the court in an application filed by the General Workers Union to stop MPTS and the registrar of trade unions to carry out the verification.

It also warned employees that they would face automatic deductions from pay and disiciplinary action if they participate in the strike action.

"Any proposed or actual form of industrial action taken on the basis of such an illegal demand constitutes in itself an illegal form of industrial action which is not sacntioned by the law."

The MPTS said that the bus service was an essential service, limiting the extent to which it could be disrupted on the grounds of lawful industrial action.

"The company shall have no option but to hold the UHM responsible for all and any disruptions, damages and financial loses that the company may incur," the MPTS said.