Air Malta Pilots Refuse To Fly As They Protest Over Working Conditions
Air Malta has encountered a significant issue this week as pilots refuse to operate flights amidst a dispute over new working conditions, according to Malta’s Finance Minister Clyde Caruana.
The apparent protest resulted in flight delays, causing considerable inconvenience for passengers and intensifying the airline’s operational difficulties.
Caruana revealed to Times of Malta on Monday that approximately three to four pilots had reported in sick, leaving the airline struggling to find replacement pilots to fill the shortfall.
“The company called around 25 pilots but none of them answered the phone, except two, who said they will not work because they fear repercussions.”
This seems to be connected to ongoing discussions regarding changes to the pilots’ working conditions, a factor in the airline’s restructuring efforts.
Despite the absence of an official industrial dispute, the Airline Pilots Association had instructed members to adhere strictly to their contractual duties, a tactic often referred to as “working to rule”, following a meeting on Friday.
These industrial actions resulted in the delay of Monday’s afternoon flight from Malta to Brussels by over an hour and a half.
Another flight, destined for London Heathrow, was also delayed. Late on Monday, two additional flights to and from Lyon were deferred due to what the airline described as “operational circumstances beyond the airline’s control.”
Currently, the government is in the final stages of negotiations with the EU Commission, seeking to secure millions in state aid for Air Malta which is currently in financial trouble.
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) also released a statement late on Monday, calling for reconciliation between the pilots’ association and the government.
The MHRA warned of the damaging impact further disruptions could have on the recovering hospitality and tourism sectors, noting the pivotal role Air Malta plays in the country’s economy.
Do you think the situation will develop further into a strike?