Update: Arriva intimidate drivers that are abiding by GWU's directive

The General Workers Union deplores the attempts in which Arriva is intimidating drivers that are striking, following the GWU's directives, not to drive buses that do not have an adequate system of air conditioning. Once following the directives, members of the Management of Arriva drivers are threatening disciplinary steps against the drivers and not paying them for the hours they strike.

GWU states that its members are drivers that are obeying a lawful directive issued by the Union and therefore the Company is entitled neither to intimidate and much less, take action against the drivers.

"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.

In the meantime the management of Arriva extends its apologies to the general public who may have been affected by the action ordered by the union representing its drivers. Arriva officials will be meeting union representatives this afternoon to find the best way to mediate the current situation until the formal talks planned for the middle of this week.

Arriva wished to clarify that ninety nine percent of its busses are equipped with air conditioning units.  The company said that it 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 takes this opportunity to remind the general public about its customer care center offering its services every day on 21222000 or enquiries@arriva.com.mt.