ALPA, Air Malta pilots’ union, in a statement, has said that it “strongly refutes the allegations by Air Malta as unfounded and as intended to cover-up the true state of affairs which will inevitably come to light.”

The Association was referring to Air Malta’s decision to proceed with the redundancies of 69 of its pilots, saying that it had “been left with no choice due to the Association’s failure to cooperate.”

ALPA added that during the last meeting held on the 2nd of June, the Association was also informed that it would be notified with dates for follow-up meetings in order to continue discussions.

The Association said that assurance had also been provided by the company’ Chairman, Dr. Charles Mangion, to the effect that no jobs would be shed as long as such negotiations were under way.

The Association stated that the decision “comes as a complete surprise in view of the regularity with which meetings were recently being held, as well as in view of the progress which was perceived to have been made in this regard.”

It went on to say that that “a number of concrete and feasible proposals, as well as significant cost-cutting measures, were put forward by the Association in an attempt to strengthen the economic setup of the company.”

The Association stated that in its view that “the laying off of a significant portion of Air Malta’s pilot fleet will be detrimental to the airline’s future.”

“The company’s decision to proceed with the contemplated redundancies underlines the use of the Covid-19 pandemic as a pretext to do away with the current conditions of employment for its workers,” stated ALPA.

It argued that, “on the other hand, it is ensuring that excessively generous packages for those in the higher tiers of the company’s management are retained.”

ALPA concluded by saying that, “in contrast, the company has refused to provide any appreciable feedback with regards to the Association’s proposed 50% pay-cut across the board throughout the duration of the pandemic.”

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