General Workers’ Union members at Air Malta have overwhelmingly backed the airline’s proposed rescue plan in a secret vote, the union confirmed yesterday. The union represents around 800 of the airline’s 1,300-strong workforce, and 92% of those who participated in the secret ballot backed the plan, which includes an early retirement scheme and work practices seeking to increase staff flexibility.

In a statement, it said that the workers’ decision was not an easy one, particularly since it was made while they were being constantly pressured and threatened from Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech and Air Malta management, who all warned that workers’ rejection of the plan would lead to forced redundancies and to the outsourcing of several sections, including ground handling.

The union said that at a meeting held on Monday evening, before voting started, it reminded workers that before the 2008 general elections, Dr Gonzi had sent each a personalised letter promising them that their job was secure.

Before the vote was held, secretary-general Tony Zarb stressed that the union would continue to defend its members’ interests regardless of the outcome of the vote, and that it was even willing to declare an industrial dispute with Air Malta should workers reject its plan.

But the plan was ultimately overwhelmingly approved, leading the GWU to conclude that it proved that the workers – and not those who threatened and intimidated them – had the airline’s interests at heart.

Government is expecting Air Malta to repay, in full and with interest, the €52 million restructuring loan it lent it earlier this year, according to the financial estimates included in the 2012 budget. EU rules do not allow member states to subsidise ailing companies, so the airline must now become financially viable or go bust. A reduction in employee numbers is deemed crucial, and the rescue plan seeks to achieve this aim through voluntary retirement schemes.