UĦM disputes regulator's ban on air conditioning in buses, orders drivers to leave their vehicles if temperature soars

UĦM, Voice of the Workers, wants Malta Public Transport to lift one of the COVID-19 restrictions on buses by allowing drivers to put on the air conditioning system as the heat in the vehicles becomes unbearable

The Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin has called on Malta Public Transport to retract one of its COVID-19 measures on public transport and allow air conditioning to be switched on.

Malta Public Transport had announced in March that it was implementing a set of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which included the switching off of air-conditioning in favour of leaving windows open.

However, the UĦM said that the heat inside the buses had now reached “unbearable” temperature, at times exceeding 39ºC.

“This situation poses serious health and safety issues, not only for drivers who are expected to withstand the heat for a substantial amount of time but also for passengers,” the union said.

The union highlighted that prolonged exposure to high temperatures could cause various health problems and that even though the windows were open, because of their size, they had little to no effect.

The UĦM has directed its members that if the temperature inside the vehicle exceeds 30ºC they could refuse to use that vehicle.

Malta Public Transport statement 

In a statement, Malta Public Transport said the health and safety of both drivers and passengers have always been at the forefront of the company. 

“It is for this very reason that the company is implementing all the directives and recommendations made by the competent authorities in addition to other precautionary initiatives immediately taken by the company that ensured that drivers are kept safe during the pandemic,” Malta Public Transport said.

The company said it was currently abiding by instructions to switch off all air-conditioning systems onboard the buses, and instead leave windows open. It said that all buses have windows in the driver’s cabin, which ensured that the driver’s area is well-ventilated.

“While the company acknowledges that on some days there are buses that, like all other vehicles, may reach a warm temperature while parked in the depots or terminals, it is also pertinent to note that the temperature is generally reduced once the bus is moving and air flows through the vehicle.”

“All drivers are encouraged to continue to follow the procedures in place, whereby any issues with any particular vehicle can be discussed and resolved immediately with the depot personnel on-site, on a case by case basis.”

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