Updated: Air Malta's behaviour unacceptable - GWU

(Adds UHM statement)

The General Workers Union has condemned "threats" on Air Malta workers by the management and said that such behaviour was unacceptable.

Yesterday evening, the airline said talks with the GWU and the Union of Cabin Crew on the airline's restructuring had reached an impasse.

It said it had been negotiating with the two unions in good faith for months but had not been able to conclude an agreement on a package of measures to support the airline's restructuring.

The GWU said in a statement today it had always made it clear to the company that it was not willing to give the management a blank cheque.

The GWU also did not agree the company should hold a meeting for workers before the union, which has a meeting scheduled for November 21 at 5 p.m.

During this meeting, the union said, workers would decide, through a secret ballot, whether or not to accept the company's restructuring proposal. Workers who happen to be on duty during the meeting would have the opportunity to vote on November 22 up to noon.

The GWU is insisting for an urgent meeting with Investment Minister Tonio Fenech, who is responsible for Air Malta.

UHM writes to Air Malta

The UHM said it wrote to Air Malta CEO Peter Davies to inform him it would also be holding a meeting for its  members to discuss the company's proposals and vote whether or not they agreed with them.

The union said that although it was not officially recognised at Air Malta, it felt it should sound its members' voice by sending the voting result to Air Malta.