First collective agreement for managerial grades at BCA signed
The Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard presided over the signing of the first collective agreement for managerial grades within the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) on Monday.
Attard’s Ministry, through a statement, labelled this as “a historic step that continues to strengthen governance and human resources within the entity.”
Minister Attard said that “for this government, workers are not merely a resource, but the heart of the public service and the driving force behind the change we need in the construction sector.”
This collective agreement – which covers the grades of senior heads, heads, and senior managers – provides clear recognition of the roles that these employees play in leadership, decision-making, and in the implementation of the authority’s functions.
Overall, this collective agreement affects 43 positions, including those currently in the recruitment process.
The Ministry said that this signing forms part of ongoing investment in the authority’s human capital.
It said that the BCA’s workforce has grown by 75%, from 72 employees at the end of 2023 to 126 employees today. Simultaneously, its operational budget has gone up from €5 million to €9 million, while funds allocated to schemes and initiatives have risen from €500,000 to €4 million.
“These investments are translating into more efficient and accessible services for citizens, as well as higher standards within the construction sector,” the Ministry said.
Recent initiatives include the reforms in the licensing of contractors and builders, joint inspections with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA), the launch of 138 helpline, and the introduction of a free service providing legal and architectural assistance to third parties affected by construction.
Minister Attard noted that this agreement is the result of serious and responsible negotiations, built on respect and constructive dialogue, between all parties involved, including the General Workers’ Union (GWU), the Industrial Relations Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister, management, and the workers’ representatives.
“This agreement not only strengthens working conditions and employee wellbeing, but also consolidates a commitment to a more modern, efficient, and fair public service, based on principles of transparency, accountability, and mutual respect,” Attard said.
BCA CEO Architect Roderick Bonnici said that this collective agreement bolsters financial incentives and improves work-life balance, recognition, and employee wellbeing, while focusing on their personal development.
Bonnici added that in the coming months, the BCA will continue working to ensure that every worker in this sector holds a skills card, “and therefore this agreement should serve as an incentive for the authority’s employees to help achieve this goal.”
Secretary General of the General Workers’ Union Josef Bugeja said that beyond a mere collective agreement, this signing demonstrates a commitment by the GWU and the government in their belief in workers.
Permanent Secretary within the Ministry Johan Galea, representatives from the General Workers’ Union, and BCA employees were also present for the signing.
RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta First collective agreement for managerial grades at BCA signed