Members of the Airline Pilots Association (Alpa) have been instructed by their union to stick to a dress down directive after a meeting with the management was fruitless.

Alpa said in a statement that during the meeting, it again forwarded its concern regarding the issues listed in the dispute, such as shortage of staff, safeguarding the pension of its members and clarifying a clause in the collective agreement regarding computation of service.

Air Malta insisted it needed more time to discuss the issues, Alpa said.

The union said the dress down was a sign of protest which avoided any adverse impact on passengers during the peak season. Pilots were told to report for work without jacket or cap.

The union said it did not exclude the possibility of any further action if this was deemed necessary.