Update 2: Tourism operators appeal to pilots to reconsider strike decision

Travel and tourism agents are appealing to Air Malta pilots to reconsider their decision to take strike action.

The Federated Association of Travel & Tourism Agents said it was sympathetic with the plight of Air Malta pilots and employees but firmly believed that any strike action at this point in time would not resolve anything.

"On the contrary it would definitely compound the precarious situation that the airline is in and compromise the attempts to salvage the company.

"This would also be a further serious blow to the travel and tourism industry and could have an adverse effect on the industry in general."

Fatta said it respected any union's right to manifest its opinions on the state of affairs and the current restructuring process at Air Malta but appealed to ALPA to reconsider its decision and stop short of any action that could culminate in a death knell to the airline.

"This would also be a further serious blow to travel and tourism agents and could have a long term adverse effect on the industry in general," it said.

GTA appeals to pilots to reconsider

In another statement, the Gozo Tourism Association said it fully understood the concerns of Air Malta pilots, however it strongly believed that the contemplated industrial action at such a sensitive time would have irreparable consequences on the tourism industry in Malta.

These consequences would cascade onto Gozo, badly affecting the industry on the sister island.

"The survival of Air Malta means the survival of jobs and the protection of huge investment, both in Malta and in Gozo.

"Whilst recognising every union’s right to defend its members, the Gozo Tourism Association is calling on ALPA to responsibly reconsider its decision.

GTA said the national airline was the lifeline of the tourism industry and appealed to ALPA to reason out its claims, around the discussion table, keeping in mind the interest and security of its members, as well as of those of the thousands of others who earned their living from the tourism industry.

"Gozo does need, like Malta, a sane and stable tourism climate. While defending their rights, the pilots also need to defend the interests of the Maltese Archipelago," it said.

The Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta also appeaked to ALPA to reconsider.

MEA calls for social dialogue

The Malta Employers’ Association said industrial action would not solve the issues at Air Malta and the way forward could only be through dialogue between  stakeholders.

"It is clear that unpopular decisions have been postponed for years and the situation has become unsustainable requiring drastic corrective action to save the airline. On the other hand it is pointless and irresponsible to ignore stark realities and threaten a withdrawal of labour which can only lead to a worse situation for the airline, the country and the employees working at Air Malta."

The MEA called on all parties concerned to focus their collective energies and work together to bring the company back to profitability and sustainability with as little pain as possible.

It said that reducing the labour force, although inevitable, will not by itself remedy the condition facing the airline, and that any decision to lay off people must be part of a wider strategy to revive the airline.

"t is imperative that this strategy has the input of all stakeholders and looks at all aspects of the airline’s operations.

"Pilots should also be aware that their actions will not only hurt the airline, but will also have an immediate impact on the livelihood of thousands of other workers in the tourism industry at a critical time during the year. This is definitely not in anyone’s interest," it said.