General Workers’ Union (GWU) secretary general Tony Zarb said yesterday that the union is ready to discuss the new proposals for the second rescue plan proposed by Air Malta on condition that it is not done in a rush, no one is arrogant and no threats are made.

Mr Zarb was speaking at a meeting for Air Malta employees who are members within the GWU.

He explained that Air Malta wants to begin negotiations for the second rescue plan and that the present memorandum of understanding (MOU) ends in August.

However, he pointed out, this does not mean the union is ready to accept the dismantling of the previous agreement.

He also urged the workers not to carry out individual action.

“It is important that you present one common front and do not fall into the trap of separating into individual groups,” said Mr Zarb.

He also appealed to the other unions who represent Air Malta employees to discuss the issue and tackle it together.

“I am inviting all the other unions to discuss the issue with the GWU so that we can present one common front,” added Mr Zarb.

Mr Zarb then explained in detail the new proposals to the workers.

“However, what guarantee do we have that Air Malta will stick to the new MOU, if they did not stick to the first one?”

A copy of the new proposals was distributed to everyone and Mr Zarb urged the workers to read it through carefully.

“There is no need to rush the discussions and negotiations as we have until July 2007,” he said.

The GWU will be at the forefront to protect the interests of all those who work at Air Malta and will keep the workers informed of the latest developments said Mr Zarb.

“If the other unions join us, we will be strong. However, if they choose not to join us we still will not give up,” he said.