Air Malta not a cash cow, MHRA warns cabin crew union

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association urges Air Malta's unions not to resort to industrial action, warning it could threaten tourism industry

MHRA President Tony Zahra has urged Air Malta's unions not to resort to industrial action.
MHRA President Tony Zahra has urged Air Malta's unions not to resort to industrial action.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association has warned Air Malta’s unions against industrial action, urging them to “use the force of argument not the argument of force” to put forward their concerns.

“Air Malta is not a cash cow. Employees must understand that roles, responsibilities and productivity levels must continue to feature high on the agenda of a sustainable Air Malta business model,” MHRA president Tony Zahra said in a statement. “This however applies also to government in seeking the best arrangement for Air Malta with potential strategic partners. Air Malta is not a national liability but rather a very important asset which must be valued as such.”

Their call comes as the national airline’s cabin crew union (UCC) filed work-to-rule industrial action, a day after the government reached an agreement with the Airline Pilots’ Association (ALPA) following length negotiations over a new collective agreement. ALPA had previously announced industrial action so as to pressure Air Malta into releasing crucial details about the proposed deal that will see Alitalia take a 49% shareholding.

Zahra urged Air Malta and UCC to meet and come up with “fair and equitable” solutions that take into account the union’s requests, as well as the country’s need for a successful national airline. Should no solution be reached then the matter should be put to arbitration, Zahra said.

“Malta's economic success has come about through the efforts of all stakeholders and cannot be taken for granted,” he warned. “Actions which threaten the tourism industry and therefore the livelihood of thousands remain unacceptable for MHRA.”