Updated 1330
7,000 public officers to benefit from better working conditions
The government has announced the signing of three collective agreements benefiting 7,000 public officers in various sectors. These agreements, presided over by Prime Minister Robert Abela and Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana, aim to improve working conditions. Not revised since the nineties, the agreements now reflect evolving responsibilities with restructured grades and scales. They introduce allowances for Public Service classes and performance bonuses, aiming to attract new talent and retain existing officers. Additionally, the agreements allow for the introduction of trainee programs in technical sectors. These efforts, part of the Public Service Expo 2024 themed ‘Investing in Skills’, aim to enhance the quality of public administration services. Over the past two years, 66 agreements have been signed, positively impacting around 14,000 employees, fostering attractiveness and competitiveness within the Public Service.
Teachers’ industrial action looms as pay talks collapse
Government and Church school teachers may initiate industrial action due to a breakdown in discussions between their union and the government over a new collective agreement. The Malta Union of Teachers has expressed mistrust in the the Industrial Relations Unit (IRU) tasked with negotiation. The union is convening to decide on the next steps, which could include industrial action affecting various educational institutions. Talks for the new agreement began in December 2022 but stalled, prompting concerns over unmet promises to improve working conditions. Previous industrial actions led to a one-day strike in November 2023. Despite Education Minister Clifton Grima’s assurance of ongoing discussions, tensions persist between the union and the government.
Morning Briefing
EC forecasts higher-than-average growth; shares concern on skills shortage
The European Commission is predicting that this year Malta is expected to have an economic growth of 4.6%, which is the largest economic growth among European countries. The Commission said that Malta’s economic growth is expected to be 3.6% higher than the European average of 1% and 3.8% higher than the average in the Eurozone. Employment growth is set to remain strong at 4% also in 2024 and 2025 as the country continues to attract foreign workers. Labour and skills shortages are still mentioned as the main limiting factors for the Maltese economy. (TVM/European Commission)
Government discriminated against sacked journalist – Employment Commission
A former journalist’s dismissal from PBS soon after the 2013 election has been declared as “politically discriminating” by the Employment Commission, which condemned then Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and then Principal Permanent Secretary Mario Cutajar as having acted in an unacceptable way in a democratic society. Norman Vella was kicked out of the national broadcaster and asked to report for work at the immigration section of the Malta International Airport. Vella said he will forgive all those who insulted him because they were told to do so. “They do not need to apologise,” he said. He said his wish is that this victory will not remain only his, but becomes the slogan of a people united against political discrimination. (The Malta Independent)
Principal Permanent Secretary urges better understanding of Gen Z employees
Public service chief Tony Sultana stressed the importance of embracing the unique qualities and aspirations of Gen Z employees during a gathering of public service leaders. Speaking at the inauguration of the Public Service Expo in Ta’ Qali, which showcases the work of the public administration, Sultana highlighted that young employees constitute 25% of the public service workforce. Sultana urged a shift in mindset from merely imparting lessons to actively comprehending and leveraging the potential of young employees. He emphasized the need to not only attract but also retain and nurture them to surpass current standards, noting their courage, ambition, exceptional skills, and openness to change. (Maltatoday)
