Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/649887
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 MARCH 2016 4 News JURGEN BALZAN MALTA Public Transport insists there is no active drive to employ foreign drivers, but it is publicis- ing its vacancies in a number of countries, especially Spain and Italy, both of which have high un- employment. In comments to MaltaToday, Malta Public Transport said "al- though we accept applications from foreign drivers, our prior- ity remains to recruit Maltese drivers for a number of reasons, including their knowledge of the Maltese islands and its culture, together with the language." But when asked to provide a detailed breakdown of its work- force, the company limited itself to saying that it employs over 1,000 drivers and in 2015 alone some 500 drivers were employed "most of whom are Maltese." A number of Maltese drivers who spoke to MaltaToday said that while some of them are paid €4.68 an hour most of the Span- ish and Italian drivers earn €6 an hour. In reply to this newspaper's questions, the company said it does not distinguish between for- eigners and locals, insisting that "foreign drivers are paid no dif- ferent to Maltese drivers". In an interview with MaltaTo- day last month, transport minis- ter Joe Mizzi said the government was insisting with the Spanish- owned company to employ more Maltese drivers, given the dif- ficulties faced by commuters in communicating with foreign drivers. A recent international call for vacancies circulated by the com- pany, informs applicants that their hourly gross salary depends on how long they have been in possession of a Category D li- cence. Anyone in possession of a bus licence for 48 months or more earns €6.01 an hour, while anyone who has held the licence between 36 and 48 months gets €5.75 an hour. The rate goes down to €5.55 for anyone in possession of a bus licence for between 24 and 36 months and €5.45 for those who have had such a licence for be- tween 12 and 24 months. Applicants who obtained the li- cence between six and 12 months ago, earn €5.35 while those who obtained the bus licence less than six months ago earn a miserly €4.68 an hour. MaltaToday has however seen an advert published in Spanish portals and online magazines which clearly states that candi- dates must be 21 years or older and have a D driving licence in force for more than six months. The advert, published in July 2015, adds that "Malta Public Transport offers permanent con- tracts, full-time, with working days lasting between 40 and 48 hours a week. The salary is €6 per hour, so in a week the driver could earn between €240 and €288." Moreover, the company told MaltaToday that "our preference is to recruit drivers who already hold a bus driving licence, given that they would have more expe- rience, but we also accept appli- cations from drivers who do not yet have a licence, mostly from locals, whom we then give full training." Drivers who spoke to this news- paper said they felt this was an unfair procedure, given that the training only lasts some six weeks. "If anything, they should pay us a minimum wage for the length of the training course and then raise our wages to a decent rate," a driver said. But the company insisted that it pays drivers the same salaries in accordance with the collective agreement, irrespective of na- tionality. "Our people are our most im- portant asset – they meet and greet thousands of passengers every day, which is why it is our priority to ensure that they are motivated. It would be totally counterproductive if we decided to pay foreigners differently to locals. In the coming weeks we will be launching a new initiative aimed at recognising those drivers who strive for excellence when it comes to safety and customer ser- vice. This will further strengthen our commitment towards our people, and towards our bus us- ers," the company added. Accommodation provided against payment The company circulates its va- cancies through the EU job seek- ing platform EURES and MaltaToday has seen a num- ber of adverts published over re- cent months. The latest advert was issued last month and was circulated widely in southern Italy. Vacancies in- clude 50 places for drivers, 20 mechanics and 10 electrical tech- nicians. The vacancy for drivers stipu- lates that overtime "can also be worked at a higher rate once the employee works 48 hours per week." Applicants are also informed that they are entitled to between 24 and 28.8 days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave on full pay and another 12 days on half pay, and injury, maternity and be- reavement leave. Benefits include health insur- ance, free public transport for employees and their immediate family and for up to the first three months they can be provided with accommodation against a payment of €13 a night. This covers breakfast, cleaning services (every two days), laundry services once a week, changing of bed linen and towels every four days, TV and WiFi in every room and access to a common area with a kitchen, TV and dining area. No Maltese courses offered Contrary to what the transport minister said in last month's in- terview with MaltaToday, the company is not offering language courses in Maltese. The company said drivers are all offered training in English and "progress is monitored con- tinuously and additional training given when required." Maltese bus drivers a 'priority' but foreign recruitment drive continues Maltese drivers who spoke to MaltaToday say that while some of them are paid €4.68 an hour most of the Spanish and Italian drivers earn €6 an hour hour, so in a week the driver could ing platform EURES Terms and conditions • Indefinite contract with six months' probation • 40 or 48-hour week at employee's discretion • Hourly gross salary depending on Category D licence: Category D licence issued: Gross hourly wage 48 months or more €6.01 36-48 months €5.75 24-36 months €5.55 12-24 months €5.45 6-12 months €5.35 Up to 6 months ago €4.68 • Overtime after 48 hours worked at a higher rate • Annual leave of 24 days for 40-hour weeks, 28.8 days for 48-hour week • Sick leave 12 days on full-pay, 12 days half-pay • Injury, maternity, bereavement, special leave entitlement • Health insurance and free public transport for employee and immediate family