Passengers on all Air Malta flights will from today receive limited service from cabin crew in protest at an airline decision to change the composition of the crew’s meals.

The Union of Cabin Crew served notice of industrial action and issued directives to members, accusing the airline of breaching the collective agreement.

Following an agreement between Air Malta and in-flight caterer Sky Gourmet, hot snacks and beverages will, as from today, not be served for free to economy passengers but will have to be bought from cabin staff.

Such passengers will, however, get a free baguette and a half-litre bottle of water.  

Cabin crew have been instructed by their union to still distribute the baguettes and water to passengers but they will not offer the trolley service selling soft drinks, chocolates, coffee and tea, crisps and light snacks.

Union president Noel Mercieca said that according to the collective agreement the union signed with the airline, cabin crew had to be provided with “suitable meals”.  But in the wake of the new catering agreement, the airline informed cabin staff they would be entitled to the same baguette and water provided to passengers or else they could get their own packed food. 

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