Pilots’ association open to resuming talks with Air Malta

The Airline Pilots Association [ALPA] is open to meeting with Air Malta and the government over recent disagreements, but it has not been in contacted by either party to set up any meetings on these issues, sources within the aviation industry told The Malta Independent.

A dispute between the pilots and the airline had led to the union ordering industrial action, which saw pilots reporting for work half an hour late causing disruption to the airline’s schedule. However, Air Malta then filed for a court injunction.

ALPA then declared that, pursuant to the filing of an application by Air Malta p.l.c for the issue of a warrant of prohibitory injunction, which was thereafter acceded to by the Courts of Justice on a provisional basis, that their Association has temporarily withdrawn industrial action until a ruling is delivered in relation to the merits thereof in order to let justice take its course. That ruling is expected in the coming weeks.

It is unclear what the main issue seems to be as Air Malta claims that this action is a consequence to the Government of Malta, Air Malta’s major shareholder, declining the request to guarantee the pilots’ early retirement scheme pay-out even if the airline fails, which sees individual pilots getting some €700,000 each at age 55.

On the other hand, ALPA claims that Air Malta seems intent on distorting indisputable facts, as well as painting a false and unclear picture of the prevalent and current state of affairs. ALPA had said it has had to resort to industrial action in response to the management’s numerous attempts to deploy crew illegally against

the stipulated procedures, as well as in response to the company’s persistent failure to address concerns relating to the safety and well-being of its members.

Since the court case was launched, there have not been meetings on the issues relating to the court case between the two sides, sources said, while highlighting that talks on other issues have taken place.

Ever since the signing of the collective agreement early last year, Air Malta has been in long and tough discussions with ALPA over interpretations of this agreement and other issues, the airline said. The airline previously said it has tried to find solutions to each and every issue raised, however ALPA continually fails to show the goodwill necessary to ensure harmonious industrial relations.

Sources however said that pilots had put aside a number of issues prior to discussions breaking down, including on over 500 off and leave days which pilots were not given last year.

Sources within the airline industry said that the main cause of concern for the pilots is the airline’s attempts to deploy crew illegally, failure to address concerns, and that pilots are concerned over the future of the airline. This is why, sources said, the pilots want the guarantee regarding the early retirement scheme.

Sources said that Air Malta had sent ALPA an email to sign what was agreed upon thus far, but did not offer any meetings to discuss the issues which led to the industrial action in the first place, and the email did not offer any changes regarding disputed issues.