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). A historic step that continues to strengthen governance and human resources within the entity.
Minister Attard said, “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 agreement, which covers the grades of senior heads, heads, and senior managers, provides clear and concrete recognition of the crucial role these employees play in leadership, decision-making, and the implementation of the authority’s functions. In total, the agreement affects 43 positions, including those currently in the recruitment process.
The signing of this agreement reinforces the government’s vision of placing workers consistently at the centre of its policy. The government believes that social and economic progress begins with the dignity of work and the fair recognition of responsibility.
“This collective agreement is a historic step that not only acknowledges managerial responsibility but also strengthens the foundations of a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused authority.”
This step forms part of ongoing investment in the authority’s human capital. In fact, the workforce has grown from 72 employees at the end of 2023 to 126 employees today, an increase of 75%. At the same time, the operational budget has increased 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. Recent initiatives include the reforms in the licensing of contractors and builders, joint inspections with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, the launch of helpline 138, and the introduction of a free service providing legal and architectural assistance to third parties affected by construction.
Minister Attard emphasised 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, the Industrial Relations Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister, the management, and the workers’ representatives.
“This agreement not only strengthens working conditions and employee well-being, but also consolidates a commitment to a more modern, efficient, and fair public service, based on principles of transparency, accountability, and mutual respect,” Dr Attard concluded.
The Chief Executive Officer of the BCA, Architect Roderick Bonnici, said that this agreement not only strengthens financial incentives but also improves work-life balance, recognition, and employee well-being, while focusing on their personal development. “In the coming months, the authority will continue working to ensure that every worker in the sector holds a skill card, and therefore this agreement should serve as an incentive for authority’s employees to help achieve this goal,” said Architect Bonnici.
Secretary General of the General Workers’ Union, Josef Bugeja, stated that this is not merely a collective agreement, but a clear declaration of commitment by the GWU and the government in their belief in workers. “A declaration that together we are ready to build a stronger and more sustainable future, where the economy grows responsibly, and where progress goes hand in hand with dignity, working conditions, and workers’ safety,” held Mr Bugeja.
The Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, Johan Galea, representatives from the General Workers’ Union, and BCA’s employees were also present for the signing.
Photo: DOI/MJR
