Union demands implementation of airport concession deal

The General Workers' Union yesterday filed a judicial protest in the First Hall of the Civil Court holding Malta International Airport plc responsible in damages following negotiations for the award of the airport food and beverage concession.

The union claimed it had already warned MIA that in the event that such concession was awarded to a new contractor, then the European Union directive governing the transfer of businesses, which directive was incorporated into local law, would be applicable.

This directive related to the safeguarding of employees' rights in the event of a transfer of a business.

The tender had been awarded to RJC Developers Ltd, rather than to the previous contractor Corinthia Caterers.

But the GWU said that, for unknown reasons, the contract in respect of this concession had not yet been signed, and the new contractor had not started running the concession.

The Director of Industrial Relations and Employment had written to MIA urging it to take measures to facilitate the implementation of the contractor's legal obligations.

The union claimed that it was clear that MIA was delaying the signing of the contract. Rather than facilitating the process and providing the GWU with the necessary information to discuss the workers' situation, MIA was trying to cause the union to suffer damages. The union concluded its protest by claiming that MIA's actions were unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of industrial relations.

MIA was called upon to immediately conclude the contract and the GWU held the company liable in damages.

Lawyers Marvic Debarro and Aron Mifsud Bonnici signed the protest.