Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has accused the Airline Pilots’ Association (ALPA) of “greed” and “bullying”, describing their industrial action at KM Malta Airlines as unjustified and contrary to the public interest.

Speaking to Times of Malta following the launch of industrial measures by the union on Monday, Caruana said the government would not yield to what he called an annual attempt to back it into a corner during the busy summer period. He insisted the pilots’ concerns were “relatively minor” and that the current dispute was undermining years of effort to secure the national carrier’s future.

The union’s directives, which include delaying boarding until fuelling is complete and limiting contact with crew outside of official duty hours, have already led to concerns about delays and operational disruption. Pilots have also been instructed to make announcements in Maltese only, unless in emergencies, and to use full runway length during takeoff and landing unless otherwise directed by Air Traffic Control.

ALPA says the actions stem from unresolved disputes around crew seniority, disciplinary procedures, and pilot safety. The union has raised alarm over the company’s intention to recruit more experienced external pilots, arguing it undermines internal promotion prospects for first officers. It has also flagged the risk of pilots losing their licence as a result of disciplinary processes, calling for clearer safeguards.

But Caruana rejected the union’s framing, saying that agreements reached at the time of Air Malta’s closure were clear. He pointed to the €400 million spent by the state to restructure the airline and protect jobs, noting that some pilots received generous early retirement packages in exchange for giving up claims to long-term employment.

“This is a clear case of greed,” Caruana said. “It is time for people of goodwill in this country to make their voice heard against this bullying.”

He said any government concessions would betray the interests of taxpayers, the company’s other employees, and the wider public. “We will not budge an inch,” he added.

In a statement released, KM Malta Airlines echoed Caruana’s position, saying the union’s actions were disproportionate and risked harming the airline’s operations and reputation. Talks between the company and union remain ongoing but no resolution appears imminent.