Non-poaching agreements? Malta is in the EC, right? There are strict 'free movement of goods, labour and services in EC laws! I would suggest their pilot union (they are in a pilot union, right?) takes a bit of time with Employment Law specialists. I do believe this sort of thing cannot be legal in the EC and it is possible AirMalta may be laying itself open to fines and compensation making such agreements. It is a practice that must be stamped out. There are very few occasions when an employee can be prevented from working for someone else. But sometimes, the adjustment to attitudes when a country subjects itself to EC laws can be difficult. A few sharp shocks usually starts driving the point home.