The Union Haddiema Maghqudin has registered an industrial dispute with the Malta Tourism Authority over disagreements on the pending collective agreement. It has asked for a meeting with the authority’s chairman to discuss the points of disagreement.

The UHM yesterday also warned the Malta Maritime Authority that if it fails to sign the collective agreement concluded last October, it would feel free to take action.

Because the agreement had not yet been brought into effect, it said, maritime pilots were suffering financially while exposing themselves to danger because of non-observation of occupational health and safety regulations.

The agreement covers higher efficiency in the ports, expediting the work process and a tariffs revision.