A new sectoral agreement within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism will introduce substantial improvements in working conditions and career progression structures for diplomats in Malta and across its diplomatic missions abroad.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg. Permanent Secretary Christopher Cutajar and Director General Donna Borg Micallef signed the agreement on behalf of the Ministry, together with the Deputy Head of the Industrial Relations Directorate within the People and Standards Division at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mario Grixti, as well as the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Manager for Industrial Relations of Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin – Voice of the Workers (UĦM), Josef Vella and Jonathan De Gabriele.
This agreement continues to build on, and improve, the achievements secured through these employees’ 2019 agreement, while reflecting the evolving realities of diplomacy and the growing responsibilities of diplomatic officers representing Malta in various international fora.
Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg thanked all those involved in the negotiations that led to the agreement. “Today, we are making a clear statement of appreciation for the dedication of our diplomatic officers to our country, particularly over recent years, during which Malta served in crucial international roles within the United Nations Security Council, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Council of Europe. In each of these responsibilities, Malta has earned recognition for its work and achievements,” Dr Borg explained.
While encouraging the diplomats present to remain committed to achieving further success for themselves and for the country, he reiterated that “the agreement signed today marks an important step forward in our continued efforts to uphold Malta’s name and the principles we deeply value and strive to promote.
Permanent Secretary Christopher Cutajar explained that the new agreement will significantly strengthen the financial package of the Ministry’s diplomatic officers. The annual allowance for these employees has been increased substantially across all career levels, both for those serving on diplomatic missions abroad and for those carrying out key responsibilities within the respective departments in Malta. “Furthermore, for the first time, these employees will benefit from a performance bonus, rewarding them according to their commitment and achievements throughout the year, towards a system that incentivises and recognises merit-based performance,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin, Josef Vella, stated that the UĦM has been representing the diplomatic corps for many years and noted with satisfaction that this agreement was approved by an absolute majority of the employees concerned. “This agreement recognises the contributions of these employees to Malta’s diplomatic sector and will lead to a substantial improvement in their take-home pay. It reflects the commitment of UĦM – Voice of the Workers to remain dedicated to improving working conditions, while ensuring full recognition of the workers who form part of this Union,” he said.
The new agreement also introduces a dedicated allowance for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to support and encourage employees’ efforts to strengthen their skills and expertise in a field that is becoming increasingly complex and sensitive.
From a career progression perspective, the new agreement offers clearer and more flexible structures, with mechanisms that recognise advanced qualifications and relevant experience, as well as shorter progression timeframes at certain levels.
