Arriva has officially recognised the General Workers’ Union as the representative of its drivers and support staff.

“More than 50 per cent of Arriva Malta’s driving and support staff have chosen the GWU to represent their interests,” union general secretary Tony Zarb said.

“We are pleased to have built a positive working relationship with Arriva and look forward to working together to best represent the interests of our members with the future development of the company and transport services in Malta and Gozo,” he added.

Arriva managing director Keith Bastow said: “Our employees’ views are very important to us and we look forward to a healthy and collaborative working relationship with the GWU to the benefit of our employees and, ultimately, the travelling public.”

The rosters were changed to reduce the number of split shifts after 108 bus drivers did not turn up on the first day of work in protest against the shifts. This caused big disruptions and a chaotic launch of the new bus system.

The GWU and Arriva agreed on a temporary roster until a better, longer term roster was put in place but a large portion of the drivers still chose to abandon the company.