GWU had no knowledge of Mizzi’s Plan B for Air Malta
The General Workers Union had no knowledge of any Plan B Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi had for Air Malta.
Speaking to The Malta Independent, a GWU spokesperson said that the union is not fully aware of the circumstances that have given rise to this declaration by the Minister, and did not know what is being discussed with the three other Unions, and therefore could not comment fully.
“The minister, during our meetings, never declared his intention to close down Air Malta.
“The GWU has no knowledge of any plan B, but we all know that if all efforts to save the company fail, the company will eventually close.”
Mizzi previously told The Malta on Sunday that he had a Plan B, which would be a last resort, should talks, which have proved difficult so far, fall through: close down Air Malta and open a new airline without any legacy constraints.
“In the eventuality that we will not be in a position to implement the revenue-driven revitalisation plan, we will then have no other option but to consider Plan B due to solvency issues.
“This would mean the closure of Air Malta and the opening of a new airline without any legacy constraints to fill the void.”
On the minister’s indication that negotiations with unions have proved to be difficult, GWU said that over the last four years, discussions between the union and the airline focused on the need of investment both in capital and human resources, stability and the future of the airline.
In fact, the spokesperson explained that employees represented by the Union went through a very rigorous restructuring exercise so as to meet company’s needs.
From the start, the newsroom was told, the Union declared that it would not accept redundancies. As a matter of fact, one of the first agreements reached with the Government was about the job guarantee and take home pay.
“And of course, the right to strike is still there.”
Apart from the two agreements signed yesterday, where the Ground Handling sections are to be assigned to a separate company which will provide services to Air Malta and to other airlines, GWU said it was also formulating proposals for a new collective agreement.
The union would not divulge further details on the collective agreement.
“Our aim is to improve the working conditions but also giving a clear and stable future to all our members.”
Asked whether the union would taking a vocal and hard-line approach, as it had done in previous administration, the GWU said that it was “vociferous even during the present administration.”
“It is important to stress that during the negotiations held these past few years, the Union was given all the guarantees that the employees would not lose their work and the Government would respect the present conditions of work and wages.”
Meeting between Air Malta and Unions
A meeting between Air Malta management and all unions concerned will be taking place today to discuss the way forward for the struggling airline, along with the collective agreements; Air Malta Chairman Charles Mangion has told The Malta Independent.
Speaking at a press conference launching Air Malta’s new ‘Go Light’ product, Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said that he expected all collective agreements to be finalised next January, with an eye of implementing them over a five month period.
Yesterday was dominated by a number of news items concerning the national airline with the Union of Cabin Crew holding an emergency meeting following the resignation of four of its members.