No meetings between Air Malta and GWU since October 14

No discussions between the management of Air Malta and the General Workers' Union on the company's collective agreement have been held since October 14, the airline's CEO, Joe Cappello told The Times Business.

Mr Cappello said the GWU walked out of the collective agreement discussions and is still refusing to return to the negotiation table.

"The company and the union had planned a series of meetings with a view to conclude the collective agreement, however, since October 14 no meeting has been held. The term of the collective agreement is part and parcel of the negotiations," he said.

As part of Air Malta's collective agreement negotiations the airline has to date presented new proposed rosters for four main areas within the company, namely cargo operation, ground services, ground operations and passenger handling services, Mr Cappello said.

The airline had previously said that whether it resorted to redundancies and outsourcing depended on whether an agreement could be reached with the GWU on flexibility of rosters and an increase in productivity.

The proposed rosters, Mr Cappello said, have been developed to reflect the changing requirements of the airline's operations.

He said these changes are also required in light of a situation whereby rosters have not been changed for a considerable number of years and therefore are not receptive to the way the company's flying operations, schedule and business have evolved.

"Air Malta's collective agreement negotiations with all the unions have always focused on increased productivity and flexibility in view of its financial situation and the various developments taking place within the industry in order to ensure sustainability for its employees," Mr Cappello said.

"The airline has left its door open to the union and reaffirms its commitment to continue discussions with the GWU with a view to conclude the collective agreement negotiations in the interest of the airline and its employees."