Air Malta reaches agreements with GWU, airline engineers

Two main Air Malta unions have reached agreement on the voluntarily and early retirement schemes, paving the way for a comprehensive reorganisation within the airline in the areas represented by the General Workers Union and the airline engineers' union.

The agreements follow lengthy negotiations, which the airline said were "critical and essential" for the turnaround of the airline.

The AAE and the GWU represent around 900 employees within various sections of the airline.

"They focus on new work practices; revised duties and responsibilities, including roster changes, increased efficiencies and a reduction in staff levels," Air Malta CEO Peter Davies said.

"This is a milestone for Air Malta. Through these agreements we have agreed with the Unions to implement a comprehensive review of the operations of the airline in their respective areas.

"Air Malta is fundamental for an island's economy and I am happy to note that during the discussions I saw a genuine desire by all unions to work together to turnaround the airline. There is definitely lot more work to be done, but today we are happy that we have an agreement with which we can start to work together to craft a new bright future for the airline."

The voluntary redundancy and early retirement schemes covering both unions will be launched in the next few days and will remain open for four weeks after the launch. Staff will be informed through the airline's intranet system about the details.