No flight delays as baggage handlers take action

Industrial action ordered by baggage handlers did not affect any flights yesterday after Air Malta took preventive measures, Air Malta chairman Lawrence Zammit told The Times.

Directives were issued by the General Workers' Union over the appointment of an ambulance driver, to which the GWU is objecting. Handlers were to start loading and unloading baggage half an hour late and coach drivers were instructed not to use company telephones and radios.

Mr Zammit said the action was not followed by all the workers and that Air Malta had taken steps to ensure no flight delays by asking more workers to report for work on overtime.

The company yesterday morning filed a judicial protest against the GWU over the matter.

Mr Zammit reiterated that the GWU was in dispute about an issue that falls squarely within the management's competence, especially as the matter involves the transfer of an employee and not a promotion.

In its protest the company said the GWU's confrontational attitude would endanger jobs and the tourist trade.

An ambulift service was introduced by Malta International Airport in relation to the provision of assistance to wheelchair passengers. As a result, Air Malta was required to increase the number of employees who provide this service to passengers.

Efforts to contact the secretary of the GWU's transport section, Charles Agius, proved futile.