Updated 1150
Air Malta facing challenge to operate flights as pilots call in sick
Air Malta is encountering difficulties in securing pilots to operate its flights after four pilots have reported sick, and others are refusing to step in to address the staffing shortage. Finance Minister Clyde Caruana indicated that these actions by the pilots seem to be a form of protest against the new working conditions proposed by the government as part of the airline’s restructuring. “The company called around 25 pilots but none of them answered the phone, except two, who said they will not work because they fear repercussions,” he said. The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association has appealed to the Pilots’ Union, (ALPA) to consider how, with its decisions, it is disrupting people and businesses who had just got back on their feet following the Covid-19 pandemic (Times of Malta)
Malta Refugee Council Calls for Clear Pathway to Citizenship and Voting Rights for Settled Refugees
The Malta Refugee Council has emphasized the importance of providing settled refugees with a transparent and comprehensive pathway to becoming fully integrated “real community members,” which encompasses obtaining citizenship and voting rights. In light of World Refugee Day, observed on June 20, the Council urged Malta to establish an inclusive and well-defined process that enables refugees to be embraced and welcomed within society. Furthermore, the Council emphasized that the pathway towards inclusion should encompass key objectives that are fundamental to being recognized as genuine community members, such as attaining Maltese citizenship, gaining the right to vote, and being eligible to stand in elections. (Maltatoday)
Over 94,000 fines issued for not observing traffic signs, mobile use in 18 months
A total of 94,131 fines were issued by law enforcement authorities after motorists were found to either have ignored traffic signs while driving or made use of their phones. The figures reflect the number of contraventions issued for the said categories between 1 January 2022 and May 2023. The figures were tabled in the House by Home Affairs minister Byron Camilleri. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana says pilots’ action aimed at manipulating government position
Accusing the pilots’ union of attempting to manipulate the government into yielding to their demands, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana criticised their practice of issuing directives without prior consultation. In response to a parliamentary inquiry from Opposition Whip Robert Cutajar, the minister revealed that the union, known as ALPA, had decided to implement a Work-to-Rule directive following a meeting with its members on the previous Friday. Work-to-rule refers to a type of industrial action in which employees strictly adhere to the minimum contractual obligations outlined in their contracts while refraining from any additionaltasks or responsibilities. Describing the move as irresponsible, Caruana told Parliament that “ALPA decided without any written agreement, that pilots should work to rule. There was no industrial action declared, and there was no communication with the management.” (Maltatoday)
PM Vows Immediate Legislative Reforms to Safeguard Free Speech
During a Labour Party event on Monday, PM Robert Abela assured journalists that his government would swiftly enact legislative changes in response to ongoing court cases involving artists. These cases have arisen from complaints made by River of Love pastor Gordon John Manché. Abela emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting freedom of speech and preventing its suppression. In a separate incident last week, the police interrogated Sean Buhagiar, the artistic director of Teatru Malta, following his public condemnation of Manché’s actions. Buhagiar also made a satirical remark suggesting the hypothetical carpet bombing of River of Love as a means to defend two satirists. (Times of Malta)
445 migrants brought to shore last year
During 2022, 10 boat landings were recorded in Malta, with 445 persons being brought to Maltese shores (including persons air lifted at sea), a decrease of 46.9 per cent when compared to 2021. The majority of persons brought to shore were citizens of Asian countries (90.6 per cent), while the remaining 9.4 per cent were citizens of African countries. A total of 1,318 applications for international protection (excluding temporary protection) were received by the International Protection Agency during 2022, a decrease of 17.4 per cent over the preceding year. (NSO)
