Air Malta workers can expect an agreement on retirement schemes and the negotiation of a new collective agreement by the end of June, the government said today. 

In a statement announcing the creation of a committee to discuss these two issues, the Tourism Ministry said the committee would ensure workers' rights were respected while giving the airline more flexibility, making it more efficient and productive.

It said the aim was for the committee to reach an agreement by the end of June. 

The committee will be chaired by President Emeritus George Abela and will include representatives from the Tourism and Finance ministries as well as Air Malta management and unions.

Air Malta cabin crew took industrial action earlier this month in protest at what they said were breaches in the collective agreement.

The seven-hour action led to delays of around one hour for most Air Malta flights and was lifted following talks with the company.