Public transport strike over subsidies and bus routes

Abstract

On 28 February 2006, the Public Transport Association resorted to industrial action affecting all bus services, after negotiations with the government and the Malta Transport Authority reached deadlock over reform measures and outstanding subsidies. The strike ended on 3 March 2006 as an agreement on subsidy payment was reached. The Public Transport Association (Assocazzjoni tat-Trasport Pubbliku, PTA (http://www.atp.com.mt)) resorted to industrial action at the end of February after the Ministry for Urban Development and Roads (MUDR (http://www.mudr.gov.mt)) and the Malta Transport Authority (Awtorita Dwar it-Trasport ta’Malta, ADT (http://www.maltatransport.com/en/)) did not respect a 48-hour ultimatum that PTA had set. Ongoing negotiations reached deadlock in relation to government subsidies that are still due to be paid for 2005 and reform measures concerning route service in public transport. PTA’s position was clear that it would call off the industrial action if it received immediate payment of 2005 subsidies and observed a change in the government’s bargaining attitude concerning public transport system reforms. At the same time, the government insisted that subsidies granted for 2005 amounted to MTL 1.25 million (€2.9 million) while the transport association asked for MTL 1.3 million (just over €3 million), which represents a difference of MTL 50,000 (approximately €117,000).