Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform Jonathan Attard presided over the signing of the first collective agreement for administrative grades in the State Attorney’s office, an important step that demonstrates the Government’s commitment towards a public service that protects the interests of workers.
Minister Attard stressed that this important step is taking place in the Budget 2026 period in which a record amount of funds has been allocated to the Justice sector, with a 26% increase in the financial allocation over this year for the State Attorney’s office. “The new collective agreement that we are signing today gives these workers the respect, value and recognition they deserve,” Minister Attard said.
Minister Attard continued to emphasize the importance of this office, not only in the context of the justice sector, but also in the context of the national interest. He also noted how this office has seen a substantial increase in human resources, as from 23 workers in 2019, these have now more than doubled.
Dr Attard also spoke about the unprecedented investment in justice infrastructure where among the recently completed projects were the new building of the Court for Inquiry Magistrates, a new jury room (Room 29) and the allocation of the building that will serve as the seat of the Commercial Court. This while the agreement for the construction of a new and modern Court in Rabat Gozo was also signed.
The Office of the State Attorney is also being strengthened through the acquisition of a new building adjacent to the existing offices, which will provide more space and further elevate the prestige of this office. At the same time, the TSI project on internal reorganisation has been completed, which has led to the introduction of new codes of ethics and strengthening of internal regulations. The next step will be the implementation of a new Case Management System and the strengthening of the Legislation.mt system, where its function will be the official basis for all the laws of our country. At the same time, discussions will continue in relation to the collective agreement of the legal ranks.
“All of this is clear proof of our commitment to building a strong, modern and respected public administration, where employees are given the value they deserve and where our institutions work with integrity, professionalism and efficiency,” concluded Minister Attard.
For his part, State Attorney Chris Soler said that the signing is an important moment for the administrative heart of the Office subject to this collective agreement which will strengthen and consolidate the good that already existed. “We look forward to continuing to work and unite our duties within our office after this agreement”, reiterated Dr Soler.
The Secretary of the Government, Public Entities and Health Section within the General Workers’ Union Kendrick Bondin said that this is the first agreement of its kind, with the aim of strengthening workers’ benefits by achieving a balance between duties and rights. “We have not only strengthened the financial aspect but also how workers progress and other working conditions to reflect today’s realities”, added Mr Bondin while thanking everyone involved in these discussions especially the two GWU representatives Christine Caruana and Joan Nwaokoro who worked hard in the most professional and humble manner.
Among those present for this signing were also the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Justice and Construction Sector Reform Johan Galea, the Assistant Secretary of the same section of the General Workers Union Lawrence Bugeja, the Deputy Head of the Industrial Relations Section Mario Grixti and workers within the State Attorney’s Office.
Photo: MJR
