The Union Ħaddiema Maqgħudin yesterday threatened Air Malta with industrial action by airport handlers and business support assistants over increments in arrears that these workers, it claims, had not received.

The union maintained that the management had failed to treat and recognise airport handlers and business support assistants in the same way as their respective colleagues, who yesterday were given these increments in arrears.

The union's hotels, food and drink section had engaged in a number of representations with the airline and with IT and Investments Minister Austin Gatt. But the minister had not even answered them, the UĦM claimed.

It accused the management of stubbornness after conciliation meetings were held with the Works Director.