Air Malta to commence negotiations with unions tomorrow
04-Jul-2011 Air Malta has questioned the GWU’s declaration of a dispute with the national airline as negotiations with the unions are about to commence tomorrow.
In a statement, Air Malta stated that senior management of the national airline will be commencing negotiations with all four unions as from tomorrow morning.
The agenda of the meetings covers not only the voluntary redundancy schemes but also the working practices and other matters needed to help make the airline profitable and to enable the airline to save at least 800 jobs.
Air Malta stated it had already agreed with the GWU to meet this week, so its declaration of a dispute with Air Malta before negotiations are carried out is out of order.
Air Malta also stated that it cannot guarantee jobs since it is a commercial concern and so it will be registering its disagreement with the GWU through a judicial protest to be filed in court tomorrow morning. The airline said it will reserve the right to take further legal action to protect its interests.
Air Malta stressed that the threat of industrial action is already damaging the airline and has asked all parties to act responsibly at this difficult time.