The Airline Pilot Association (ALPA) on Saturday expressed surprise at the decision taken by Air Malta to make 69 pilots redundant, saying the Covid-19 pandemic was used as a pretext for an attempt by the airline to change the pilots’ working conditions.

In a statement, ALPA referred to Air Malta’s press release stating that talks with the association have failed due to the association’s failure to cooperate, as a result of which Air Malta was left with no choice but to proceed with the redundancies of 69 of its pilots.

This decision comes as a complete surprise to the association in view of the regularity with which meetings were recently being held, as well as in view of the progress which was perceived to have been made in this regard. The association said it has always approached discussions with the company in the best interests of its members and with the intention of ensuring the prosperity and the long-term viability of Malta’s national airline.

A number of concrete and feasible proposals, as well as significant cost-cutting measures, were put forward by the association in an attempt to strengthen the economic setup of the company. Accordingly, the association strongly refutes the allegations contained in Air Malta’s latest communication as unfounded and as intended to cover up the true state of affairs which will inevitably come to light.

A new set of discussions was initiated early this week at the behest of the company, following the assurance provided by the company’ Chairman, Charles Mangion, to the effect that no jobs would be shed as long as such negotiations were under way. Such commitment was made following receipt of positive comments by both Mangion, as well as by the Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses, Silvio Schembri.

During the last meeting held on 2 June, the association said it was also informed that it would be notified with dates for follow-up meetings in order to continue discussions. It is the Aassociation’s view that the laying off of a significant portion of Air Malta’s pilot fleet will be detrimental to the airline’s future.

The company’s decision to proceed with the contemplated redundancies underlines the use of the Covid-19 pandemic as a pretext to do away with the current conditions of employment for its workers, whilst, on the other hand, ensuring that excessively generous packages for those in the higher tiers of the company’s management are retained.

 In contrast, the company has refused to provide any appreciable feedback with regards to the association’s proposed 50% pay-cut across the board throughout the duration of the pandemic, the association said.