The EMT Board of Directors approves a new stipend for drivers
MÉS for Palma has reported that the Municipal Transport Company (EMT) has removed the Catalan language requirement for new drivers. This decision has been taken by the Board of Directors of the EMT, which is controlled by the Popular Party and the mayor, Jaime Martínez, with the support of VOX. This means that EMT drivers will no longer need to know Mallorca’s own language to carry out their work.
Reduction of the presence of women
In addition to the abolition of the Catalan language requirement, the new borsí also reduces the presence of women in an alarming way. The minimum quota of women in the EMT has decreased from 40% to 25%. This decision is troubling, as women have historically been marginalized and underrepresented in many sectors, including business and government. Reserving places for women in a public company is a fundamental practice to promote gender equality and combat discrimination in the workplace.
Reactions and criticism
The MÉS councilor for Palma, Miquel Àngel Contreras, has assessed this decision very negatively and has described it as an attack on the Catalan language by the Popular Party. Contreras emphasized that from now on citizens will not have their right to be served in Catalan on public transport in Palma guaranteed. In addition, he pointed out that this decision can give rise to discriminatory and vexatious behavior towards Catalan speakers.
The councilor has also criticized the mayor, Jaime Martínez, for yielding to the dictates of the ultra-right in another of his obsessions, equality between men and women. According to Contreras, the new stock exchange reduces the number of places reserved for women by 15%.
Conclusion
The decision to remove the Catalan requirement for EMT drivers and reduce the presence of women is worrying and contrary to the principles of equality and respect for linguistic diversity. It is important to ensure that all people can be served in their mother tongue and to promote gender equality in all areas of society.
