It has been reported that a meeting between the airline pilots’ association and the management of Air Malta ended with no progress being registered. The two sides are locked in dispute over demands by pilots for better pay and conditions. The airline, which is currently going through a restructuring process and in negotiations for a partial take-over by Alitalia, is refusing to agree to a new collective agreement with ALPA-Malta as it says it is not the right time.
Meanwhile, the Forum Unions Maltin (For.U.M.) has written to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat expressing its concerns on ongoing dispute.
“Beyond the issues making up the dispute For.U.M is extremely worried about the warrant of prohibitory inhibition instituted in court against ALPA. For.U.M. stated that this injunction is not only beyond expectations but is an affront to democracy and an initiative to silence workers' organisations in the only tool they have to combat injustice and degrading of workers' rights. Using the court to silence trade unions is dangerous and counterproductive and is a very serious undermining of democratic rights,” For.U.M said.
“In view of this For.U.M asked the office of the Prime Minister, as one of the topmost offices in our democracy, to intervene in the matter to immediately stop this attack on democratic rights. Moreover, For.U.M asked to ensure that such authoritarian measures become a thing of the past rather than the way to the future.”
In conclusion For.U.M stated that it strongly believes in social dialogue and that solutions are to be sought primarily around the negotiation table.