Update 20 August 8.30am
Air Malta's Union of Cabin Crew started industrial action at midnight after failing to reach an agreement with the government at a late-night meeting.
The industrial dispute calls on cabin crew union members to stick to their rostered flights and to not accept any flights that encroach on a leave day. Members are also to work standby duty flights provided they do not affect their following duty.
News of the industrial dispute was first announced by the Tourism Ministry at 7.30pm yesterday.
In a statement deploring the UCC committee's "irresponsible" action, the ministry said that UCC members had stormed out of a meeting with Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis earlier in the afternoon "without explanation."
The industrial dispute came less than a day after the government had managed to mend fences with the Air Malta Pilots Association, after a dispute between the two had ended up with both sides in court.
Air Malta is currently undergoing a due diligence exercise by Alitalia, with the Italian carrier, which is 49 per cent owned by Etihad, having an option to buy a 49 per cent stake in the Maltese airline.
The ministry said the UCC had opted for this course of action despite it having received written assurances concerning its demands "provided productivity, efficiency and flexibility targets" were met.
When contacted earlier yesterday evening, UCC president Noel Mercieca told Times of Malta that the union wanted written assurances that all cabin crew members would keep their jobs and unchanged salaries.
"Although the government gave us some assurances, they tied these to other conditions which should form part of discussions on a collective agreement," Mr Mercieca said.
Both parties met three times yesterday, with the first meeting happening at 11am and the final one ending some 12 hours later.
Mr Mercieca subsequently confirmed that, having failed to reach an agreement, UCC members would begin industrial action at midnight.
The Tourism Ministry said that while it remained open to discussion, it would be using "all necessary measures" to ensure that Malta's national airline was not damaged at the height of summer.
President Emeritus George Abela and Air Malta chairwoman Maria Micallef were also present for the meeting, the ministry said.