Bolt Couriers Should Unionise Advises Ministers Amid Strikes

Jul 8 2024

Amid strikes by hundreds of Bolt food delivery couriers protesting reduced wages, Ministers Andy Ellul and Byron Camilleri have publicly endorsed the couriers and advised them to unionize or report any injustices by their employers to the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER).

The strike which occurred over the past weekend featured around 345 couriers refusing to accept orders from Bolt.

Exclusively speaking to Malta Daily, a spokesperson from Bolt stated that the company does respect the rights of the couriers to protest and revealed that Bolt does not actually employ the couriers but instead collaborates with fleet operators that provide delivery services and compensates them per delivery with respect to Maltese laws.

The spokesperson also revealed that Bolt has always been committed to partnering with fleet operators that meet their legal requirements and is actively removing those fleet operators which are not operating under those said legal guidelines. Lastly it was revealed that olt is currently cooperating with the Maltese Authorities, specifically the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER).

Employment Minister Byron Camilleri has endorsed the striking couriers even advising them to unionise and offering them support from the Employment ministry.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul also reaffirmed his support for the couriers also advising them to report any injustices by their employers to the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER).

Despite governmental support, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Although new regulations are meant to ensure minimum wage, overtime pay, and various benefits, many couriers report earning less than Malta’s minimum wage of €4.82 per hour. This discrepancy underscores a substantial gap between the legislation and its enforcement.

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Hibernians Basketball Club Announces New Coaches

Jul 8 2024

Hibernians Basketball Club have just announced the appointment of new coaches for the Men’s and Women’s Senior Teams. Additionally, the club would like to inform that former Men’s Coach Mario Tabone will be taking on a new role within the club’s administration working alongside President Ronnie Callejja and Nursery Head Coach Tony Cassar to further strenghten the Club’s position in Malta.

Christos Kousidis has been appointed as the new head coach for the Men’s SeniorTeam. With a proven track record and a wealth of experience in baketball and in Malta , Christos Kousidis is expected to bring fresh strategies and an innovative approach to the team.

Winnie Buhagiar will be leading the Women’s Senior Team. Known for her sterling career, winning all major trophies as a player with Siggiewi and Hibernians, Winnie is anticipated to enhance the team’s performance and competitive spirit.

President Ronnie Calleja commented on the changes, stating; “We are thrilled to welcome Christos Kousidis and Winnie Buhagiar to our club. Their expertise and vision align perfectly with our goals. Additionally, Mario Tabone’s shift to an administrative rolewill undoubtedly enhance and strenghten our strategic planning and execution.”

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Apple Declares iPhone X and First Generation AirPods Vintage

Jul 8 2024

The unique iPhone X, released for Apple’s special anniversary and the first iPhone model to use an OLED screen with a Super Retina HD display, as well as the trendy must-have wireless headphones, the first-generation AirPods, no longer seem to be considered groundbreaking and trendy tech pieces. Apple now deems them as vintage. Considering their release in September and December of 2016, respectively, this classification seems quite controversial.

With the rapid release of new Apple products and their high retail prices, along with the rising cost of living affecting many people globally, it is no surprise that not everyone can always hold the latest iPhone or AirPods released each September. Therefore, Apple deeming these products as vintage seems questionable to many users. One person commented, “If iPhone X is vintage, then what is my iPhone 7 Plus? Ancient??😭”, while another added, “I still have an iPhone 6, bro. When are you sending me to the nursing home?”

The iPhone X, being a model for iPhones released after 2016, has its admirers who disagree with Apple’s decision to call it vintage. The iPhone X was also considered the ‘most loved’ iPhone model ever made, thanks to its departure from the usual trend of previous iPhone models. Apple’s view on the now-ancient iPhone is materialized as the new iOS 18 will not be available for the model.

What are your thoughts on Apple’s statement?

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Shaun Farrugia Announces New Song ‘Happier’

Jul 8 2024

Local music phenomenon Shaun Farrugia has announced the release of his new song ‘Happier’, this Friday the 12th of July.

Farrugia has been teasing a new song for quite a few days now but yesterday the much anticipated tune was finally officially announced.

In recent years, Farrugia has been taking the local Maltese scene by storm, collaborating with famous YouTuber and DJ VikkStar and becoming close friends and working closely with legendary DJ Martin Garrix.

It is clear that ‘Happier’ is very close to Shaun’s heart with him dedicating various posts to his partner and father in the leadup to the official announcement of the song.

#MaltaDaily