Air Malta, GWU sign collective agreement

Air Malta and the Port and Transport Section of the General Workers' Union have signed the collective agreement for the period April 2000/March 2002 following several months of discussions and negotiations.

Air Malta said the discussions had taken place during one of the most difficult times in aviation history when the airline, like all other airlines, suffered adverse economic effects following the September 11 events and their aftermath.

The airline said negotiations were long and at times difficult but both sides managed to maintain harmonious industrial relations.

Air Malta said the agreement has a number of positive aspects for both the employees and the company.

A number of grades and salary scales have been rationalised and streamlined, and a reasonable level of remuneration has been given to all employees. At the same time the salary changes reflect the level of responsibility attached to the various grades, productivity has been enhanced and flexibility has also been addressed.

The agreement also ensures longer-term stable industrial relations as it covers a four-year period instead of the usual three, Air Malta said.