Air Malta is discussing a revision of the employment conditions of hundreds of part-time workers but is tight-lipped about its plans.

A number of workers engaged on contract with the national carrier contacted Times of Malta, saying company chairwoman Marisa Micallef has told them during meetings that they need to make “sacrifices”.

However, so far they have not been informed of what they are expected to do and whether all employees on the airline’s books, including management and pilots, will also be expected to make sacrifices.

“Last week, we had an unplanned meeting with Ms Micallef, who informed us we will soon be paid a lower hourly rate for our services,” a part-time loader said.

It is critical for the airline to meet the targets set and become financially sustainable

“She also said the company wants to revise other conditions, including allowances related to public holidays and night shifts,” the 45-year-old loader said.

Part-time passenger handling and clerical staff members also seem to be facing the same fate.

With the number of full-time employees being reduced considerably over the years as part of the ongoing restructuring plan, the airline has engaged part-timers on a definite contract, renewable every three months. These include loaders and staff in the passenger handling and clerical divisions.

An Air Malta spokesman confirmed that talks on the conditions of the workers on contract were ongoing. However, he would not give details. “Air Malta is now in the last year of its restructuring plan, agreed upon with the European Commission. It is critical for the airline to meet the targets set and become financially sustainable in the interest of the whole workforce, the country and the local tourism industry,” he said.

Part-timers who contacted this newspaper complained they were not getting enough support from the General Workers’ Union.

A GWU official rejected these claims, however, pointing out that talks were in progress to avert lowering employment conditions at the airline.

“Although the proposed changes are within legal parameters, the GWU is doing its utmost to avoid this situation,” the official said. “So far, the company held two meetings with the workers concerned and the outcome has been quite satisfactory,” he added. “We are now expecting new proposals from the company.”

Air Malta is aiming to return to the black in 2016. If not, it will have to either fold or be partly or wholly sold to private investors.

The airline has not met the financial targets agreed with Brussels but is hopeful it will manage to make a turnaround by the end of this financial year. Lower oil prices are a positive factor that may prove crucial for its survival.