Public Transport: The signed agreement is in violation of European laws on health and safety.

Press Release:

Public Transport: The signed agreement is in violation of European laws on health and safety.

Whilst Żminijietna – Voice of the Left is satisfied that an agreement between public transport workers and ALESA has been reached, it asks the Government to further consider the importance of working conditions.

Żminijietna said that "the agreement reached between the Government and the Spanish company Autobuses de Leon/ALESA has completely disregarded various European legislation regulating bus drivers' working conditions. In fact, EU Regulation (EC) 561/2006, which deals specifically with bus drivers, stipulates that they should have a minimum break of 45 minutes - a 15 minute break after the first four and a half hours of driving, and a further half an hour break after the second such period."

"At heart, this is an issue of health and safety for both the drivers concerned as well as their passengers. It should thus have been included in the package negotiated between the Government and the company."

Public Transport Reform – Żminijietna’s feedback.

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left supports the public transport reform package that is coming into force. Żminijietna augurs that these reforms will lead to more efficiency, affordability, improved routes and better accessibility.
 
“Regarding the environment, Żminijietna considers positive the introduction of Euro 6 vehicles as this is in parallel with EU regulations”.
 
“With regards to ticketing, Żminijietna is highly concerned with the removal of the daily/weekly ticket for adults. This new measure can lead to increased costs, for example for workers with irregular employment, workers who use public transport more than two rides a day, irregular users, and families with children over 12 years old”.
 
On the other hand, Żminijietna supports the introduction of the card system as this will lead to more efficiency as waiting time on bus stops will be reduced. It is also positive, the fact, that the new company will honour the present collective agreement.   

Press Release 23-1-15