Updated 8.40pm - The GWU has ordered a bus strike tomorrow because of a disagreement with Spanish-owned Malta Public Transport.

The union said the bus company had reduced drivers' wages and despite protests, it had not refunded the deductions.

The company denied the claim and said all refunds had been made, even for hours which its drivers had not actually worked.

The company had said when the dispute erupted last month that the bus drivers had not worked all the hours they were contracted for.

The union said the bus strike will be effective between 8am and 11am and 4pm to 7pm.

BUS COMPANY'S REACTION

In a reaction, Malta Public Transport insisted that it has honoured an agreement reached with the GWU last month.

"Any and all the deductions that were made in the payroll before 30 April to a number of employees were given back to the same employees and the company reverted to the practices that were in place before this date, even when this payment was for hours that were, in fact, not worked. In a number of cases, the deductions were given back before the date that was originally agreed with the Union," the company said.

"Any information to the contrary and any actions taken by the union are completely unfounded and may jeopardise the agreement reached."

It regretted the inconvenience that such short notice of the strike may create. It stressed that in terms of the law, at least 50% of the service must be provided.

"While employees have the right to follow their union’s directives, the company also has an obligation towards the public and law, and will therefore ensure that at least 50 per cent of the drivers on duty will carry out the service as usual," it said.

It appealed to the public to plan their journeys, given that the frequency on all services will be reduced.

In a statement SDM (Christian Democratic Students) condemned the strike action especially because it will affect students undergoing Matsec exams.

"Workers rights should be respected, however this should not happen to the detriment of civil society, especially those students who do not have alternative means of transport," it said.

SDM calls on all involved parties to reach an agreement that does not have a negative impact on students and the general public.