Members of the General Workers' Union who are employees of Air Malta were this evening invited by the union to vote on a package of proposals made by the airline, including an early retirement scheme and new work practices.

The workers were addressed by union general secretary Tony Zarb, a week after Air Malta said that an impasse had been reached in talks. The airline had warned that unless agreement is reached, it may be forced to resort to forced redundancies.

Tonight's meeting was closed to the press .

The prime minister said on Saturday that the early retirement schemes are similar to what the government had offered the workers of Malta Shipyards.

The GWU represents some 800 of Air Malta's workforce of 1,300.

Air Malta last week reported agreement, or progress in talks with unions representing pilots, cabin crew and engineers.

Air Malta wants to reduce its workforce by 500 and introduce new work practices including greater flexibility, in an effort to cut its costs.

Mr Zarb said when contacted that the GWU had explained what Air Malta was proposing and what stage the talks had reached. He said there appeared to be no scope for further talks, and the union would abide by the workers' decision.

People present for this evening's meeting said that reaction was mixed, with the meeting characterised by a large number of questions asked to the union officials.