Discussions are currently on-going for plans on a financial package for airlines which are passing through a difficult period and which will help them to move forward, said Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Silvio Schembri.

Last week, Air Malta pilots refused a package that resulted in 69 pilots made redundant be re-employed with the airline. The Malta Independent asked the Economy Minister for updates on the situation, wherein he explained that the government is sticking to the previously mentioned plans and that currently there are discussions on the financial package for airlines.

He said that the discussions held with pilots were part of discussions with other groups and unions; and that three other unions agreed on the terms, whilst the pilots did not, which led to a number of pilots losing their jobs.

“From our end we are trying to make plans and to see if we can relax state aid EU rules so that we can assist our airlines further.”

Discussions are taking place to see how we can continue assisting workers

Schembri was asked whether there are plans to extend the Covid-19 wage supplement for the rest of the year, which he responded that discussions are currently on-going to see how the government can continue assisting workers.

“As we had mentioned at the beginning of the pandemic, this government wishes to help our industries and protect jobs. As we can see today, these measures have been beneficial as the rate of unemployment is lower than what it 2013, so we will not be that government which in the middle of this challenge we would abandoned our industries or employees.”

He said that whilst it is important to continue providing aid and assistance, he believes that this period is crucial for society and businesses to learn something new.

“I do not want that we go through this period where our employees do not learn anything new; I believe now is the time to provide aid which is more tailor made, so that once this crisis is over we have a more trained work force which is more adaptable.”

Economy Minister visits new Toly Products factory in Bulebel

On Friday, Schembri visited the Toly Products factory in Bulebel, where he expressed that “manufacturing plays a crucial role to our economy,” explained Schembri. Toly Products was funded 49 years ago and specialises in make-up products.

“I am captivated and impressed at the work Toly do, and I am proud that Toly showcases a number of international brands and produces Maltese products.” He explained that 49 years ago Toly had 40 employees, but now in 2020 Toly employees over 320 workers, 90% being Maltese. “I am pleased to see how the company has remained resistant and hard-working even during these trying times and I am excited to learn about Toly’s future and upcoming plans and we will strive to do what needs to be done to ensure that this investment takes place and creates more quality jobs.”

Benefitting from the Government measures, including the Covid-19 wage supplement, Toly employees will now be returning to a five-week operation. “During the pandemic Toly employees had to be furloughed to a 4-day week operation, but now I am pleased to announced that the workers will soon be returning to a five-week operations,” said Schembri.

Throughout the pandemic, Toly benefitted from more than €185,000 enabling the company to overcome the difficult period.

“I encourage workers and assure them that we shall continue to protect their hard work and do everything possible to safeguard their jobs and livelihood. As a Government, we shall continue to stand shoulder to shoulder throughout and remain wholly receptive to your projects. In the meantime, I encourage you to grasp and make the best of the opportunities ahead. We also pledge that as we have done in the past, we shall continue supporting you on the journey towards the regeneration of our economy,” said Minister Schembri.

 The €20 million investment in the reinvestment in the Bulebel factory has been extremely beneficial to the company, yet CEO Andy Gatesy explained that COVID-19 affected the make-up industry drastically. “Since most complexes and shops were closed, and now everyone spending more time inside or wearing a mask, our sales in beauty products have decreased,” explained Gatesy.

He pointed out that big beauty brands noted a 20-50% drop in their sales during the months April till June. “Despite the pandemic and crisis, here at Toly Products we ensured our employees to safeguard their health and safeguard their jobs, and I am proud to say that we did a great job. We al made a 20% salary sacrifice to ensure that we do not make anyone redundant and I am grateful to all our employees, as we had employees who worked on extra days when they didn’t have to.”

He explained that despite the challenges, Toly are looking at ways to adapt the business and are looking into producing skin care products. “Throughout the years, Toly has overcome different challenges, and we will continue to adapt as the world and businesses continue to evolve.”