GWU declares industrial dispute with Malta MedAir

The Maritime and Aviation Section of the General Workers' Union has registered an industrial dispute with Malta MedAir

The GWU was officially recognised a few weeks ago as the union representing employees in certain grades within Malta MedAir. 

In the process leading to the opening of negotiations on a new collective agreement, the union requested access to existing documents governing the terms and conditions of employment of the workers concerned.

In a press release on Friday, the union said it had taken the step because the authority is insisting these documents should not be provided, despite the GWU being officially recognised by the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) as the representative of these employees.

The GWU considers this position an obstacle to its legitimate work representing employees and to the commencement of effective and transparent collective bargaining.

“The collective bargaining process must be based on transparency, mutual respect and recognition of the Union’s role as the workers’ representative,” the Section Secretary Jurgen Azzopardi said.

He said that denying a recognised union access to the basic and necessary information it requires to fulfil its role is an attempt not only to weaken workers’ representation, but also to undermine sound industrial relations.

They said that the union will not remain silent in the face of attempts to hinder workers’ right to effective representation and to engage in fair and transparent collective bargaining.

It remains hopeful that the matter can be resolved through dialogue and cooperation, and points out that if there is no willingness, the GWU reserves the right to escalate its industrial action and take all necessary steps to safeguard the rights and interests of the workers it represents.