No deadline set for talks on Air Malta strategic partner
No deadline has been set for the government’s talks with a strategic partner for Air Malta, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said yesterday.
Speaking to Times of Malta, Dr Zammit Lewis would not give a concrete deadline for the conclusion of talks with a buyer for the airline.
Yesterday, Times of Malta reported that Air Malta workers remain in the dark over their future because negotiations between the management and trade unions have not yet started.
Negotiations on a new collective agreement should have been concluded by the end of February but have stalled due to the government’s ongoing discussions with the prospective strategic partner.
Dr Zammit Lewis insisted yesterday that the talks have not stalled.
“The talks are of a complex nature. We are negotiating with a strategic partner, however we are safeguarding our interests…
“We have to safeguard our tourism network. We have to safeguard the jobs and opportunities of our workers. The talks are of a complex nature, they have not stalled but obviously they will take their time,” Dr Zammit Lewis said.
The minister reiterated that the prospective strategic partner would only take a minority shareholding in Air Malta, with...