With the December deadline looming, talks over the new collective agreements between Air Malta and the Airline Pilots’ Association (ALPA) are still ongoing, a spokesman from Air Malta has told The Malta Independent.
The spokesman also declined to comment concerning the removal of Captain Bruce Pace from the role of Chief Pilot, a position he was appointed to the role during the elections earlier this year. The company insisted that it does not discuss internal affairs.
Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi has long said that the collective agreements would need to be signed by the start of 2018, and warned that the company may face insolvency should these agreements not be reached.
Speaking at a media briefing concerning the collective agreements on 20 September, Mizzi said that employees will be provided with a total 19% wage increase that would be spread over five years (5%, 1.5%, 5%, 1.5%, 5%).
The rise would see Air Malta's payroll costs would be €16 million, and in order to fund it, revenue would need to increase by €100 million.
Pilots and cabin crew in particular would be subject to working increased and more flexible hours.
Cabin Crew, for example, would see a reduction from five to four staff on every flight; while pilots would be expected to fly for 12hr shifts rather than 10.
Air Malta Chairman Charles Mangion and Mizzi have both spoken of a drive to engage individual pilots to go to Air Malta’s offices to see how their remuneration will be improved over the coming years.
The stumbling block appears to be over the union’s belief that the proposed wage package does not reflect the change in conditions, and was a pay-cut even though it appeared to offer an increase.
“Would you think it was pay-rise if you worked for 10 hours for €100, and then you’re asked to work for 12 hrs for €100 and one cent?”
So far, only a hiving agreement with the GWU has been reached, which saw ground handling operations moved to a separate company wholly owned by the government.
The sections affected are the Ground Handling Service Operations Section, the Ground Equipment Maintenance Section, and the Cargo Operations section. The new company will provide services to Air Malta and other airlines.