Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538990
6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 AUGUST 2025 NEWS Call for Application For more info visit micas.art/get-involved or contact people@micas.art micas.art Closing at noon on Monday 15 September 2025 Senior Officer (Social Media & Digital Marketing) Jobsplus Permit Number: 656/2025 Cab drivers on minimum wage get €4,000 after 'adjustments' CAB drivers officially on a min- imum wage are raking in some €4,000 through a payment prac- tice described as questionable by industry sources, MaltaToday has learnt. A review of several payslips of a cab driver employed with WT Global, Malta's largest cab fleet, shows drivers earning a basic wage of around €6 an hour, plac- ing them in the non-taxable in- come bracket. The money however, piles up in the form of allowances, as the driver in question enjoys stand- ard fixed allowances for food, mobile use, and biweekly fuel re- imbursements. But the most eyewatering fig- ure is the adjustment for "per- sonal protective equipment", which reaches highs of €1,400 and brings the fortnight- ly wage of the driver up to €2,000 in hand. Despite the high income, no tax was being paid on be- half of these workers by the company, according to the same payslips. When asked about this al- lowance, WT Global said this amount refers to costs covered for vehicle upkeep, such as "internal and ex- ternal cleaning, tyre and oil checks, replacement of parts and fluids, and similar work carried out outside office hours or when it is not feasi- ble for the driver to visit our offices or garages, mostly up- on presentation of receipts". A company spokesperson said WT Global's mainte- nance team ensures all vehi- cles receive their scheduled servicing but in light of what they described as a "highly active fleet" that is in constant use, the vehicles are exposed to greater wear and tear. "Vehicles in regular use de- mand ongoing care to maintain performance, reliability, and passenger comfort, ensuring both a good working environ- ment for employees and the best service for clients. Our vehicles and services are continually re- viewed by end clients, and we always ensure full compliance with cab platforms and local reg- ulations," the spokesperson said. They added: "In some cases, vehicles may even require im- mediate cleaning between trips; for example, during the summer when passengers are picked up directly from sandy beaches to guarantee the next client a com- fortable and reliable experience." But while the "personal pro- tective equipment" allowance appears to cover anything from basic maintenance to cleaning, industry insiders familiar with the ins and outs of a cab busi- ness did not buy WT Global's explanation. The sources said the company is responsible for the vehicles' upkeep, and not its drivers. "If the company's maintenance team ensures that all vehicles are up to standard, why is the com- pany reimbursing its drivers for expenses it incurred?" the sourc- es asked. MaltaToday's sources in the cab industry suggest that WT Global's practice is purely a tax avoidance measure, claiming that the imbalance between the driver's minimum wage salary and their take-home pay "makes no sense." NICOLE MEILAK MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt nmeilak@mediatoday.com.mt Several payslips showing the 'personal protective equipment' allowance (underlined in red) that is more than double the basic pay and varies from payslip to payslip. Details that can identify the employee have been redacted. Cab drivers on a declared minimum wage are pocketing up to €4,000 a month through hefty allowances, including a €1,400 'protective equipment' payment