I refer to comments given to The Times Business (November 5) by Joe Cappello, Air Malta's chief executive officer, regarding the talks on the collective agreement.

The GWU wishes to give its version of the facts that led to a halt in the discussions on October 14.

The GWU confirms that a schedule of talks was agreed between the union and the company with the aim of reaching an agreement to the benefit of both parties.

In his comments, Mr Cappello was quoted as saying that Air Malta presented its submissions to the union regarding employee rosters aiming at increasing flexibility and productivity. At this stage, the GWU wishes to add that it too had presented proposals regarding the rosters and, in fact, the discussions at the time concerned primarily the differences that existed between the union's proposals and those presented by the management of Air Malta.

Moreover, the GWU reiterates that its demand for an official declaration that the company will not resort to any outsourcing or forced redundancies was made in view of the fact that, without such an official declaration, the GWU cannot negotiate any proposals when it still does not know whether what it agrees to will be to the benefit of the company and its employees or to others external to Air Malta.

Therefore, in this context, the GWU strongly states that it will not make way for something that will be beneficial to an outsider rather than to the company itself and its employees.

On its part, the GWU is prepared to continue with the discussions in the best interest of Air Malta and its employees if the company confirms that it has no ulterior motives.