FOR.U.M. expresses support with Air Malta, Selmun Palace employees

FOR.U.M. officials will tomorrow be joining Selmun Palace workers in their protest march organised by the General Workers Unions.

The workers are holding another protest outside the Prime Minister's office in Valletta, following their dismissal as part of the Air Malta restructuring.

The Forum of Maltese Unions also said in a statement that three of the its 11 unions - the Association of Airline Engineers, the Airline Pilots Association and the Union of Cabin Crew will in the coming days be engaged in very intensive talks concerning the Air Malta restructuring plan.

This plan, drawn up by Ernest and Young, includes a breakdown of the expected job losses at the airline.

Air Malta has announced that it will have to shed 511 workers including pilots, engineers, cabin crew, office workers and loaders.

FOR.U.M. said that its members extended their absolute solidarity and support with these workers in these very difficult times and it expected the government to stand up and be counted.

It said it expected the government to guarantee alternative employment to all those who wanted it. It reminded the government that a few days before the last election, it had promised Air Malta employees that their jobs would be safeguarded.