Discussions on a new collective agreement at the Malta International Airport were “halted abruptly” because of difficulties that emerged in the negotiations between the two unions – the General Workers’ Union and the Union Haddiema Maghqudin – and the company management, the GWU said yesterday.

The union said there was no agreement on increments to be given to the employees, with the unions insisting they should continue to be given according to the existing agreement. The unions agree this is a matter of principle and are not in a position to continue negotiations until the matter is resolved, the GWU said.

Employment and Industrial Relations director Noel Vella has been brought in the issue and is expected to convene a meeting between the two sides in the coming days.