'I won’t budge an inch on pilots’ union negotiations’ – Clyde Caruana
Minister says he would rather resign than amend agreement
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has insisted the government will not renegotiate the standing agreement with the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), stressing that he would prefer stepping down than placating in return for votes.
Caruana was replying to a question in parliament by PN MP Ivan Castillo, who asked whether KM Malta Airlines’ recruitment of direct-entry captains would freeze Maltese first officers’ promotions to become captains.
The dispute between the national airline and the union has its roots in the transition from Air Malta to the new national carrier in 2024, when pilots moved onto new contracts and agreements negotiated with the government.
In 2025, tensions grew over issues including career progression for first officers, recruitment practices and working conditions, with ALPA warning that internal promotion pathways were being undermined.
In July, the union escalated the row by issuing work-to-rule directives after talks stalled, prompting criticism from government figures and tourism stakeholders.
ALPA later withdrew the directives unanimously in October, saying it wanted to create space for dialogue, but key disagreements have persisted.
“ALPA knew what they were negotiating, and so did I when I negotiated and submitted everything to the house,” he said, adding that he would not budge an inch on what was agreed upon.
In what became a fiery exchange between the two MPs, Caruana said he was not prepared to make the same mistakes as his predecessors, insisting that unlike them, he would not "play around" in exchange for a few votes.
“If things go back to the way they were, I am not prepared to remain the minister responsible for the airline. But as long as I stay on, I will remain faithful to that which was negotiated.”
Caruana added that the agreement was valid until 2028, and until then “not single a comma” would be amended.
Opposition MPs have warned that the impasse could lead to skill shortages if first officers feel blocked from promotion and seek opportunities elsewhere.