As the health and safety sector goes through an important period of reform, a new collective agreement has been signed for professionals at the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA).
While presiding over the signing of the collective agreement, the Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard said, “I always see two main purposes in a collective agreement, the one to value the workers existing, as well as a means of how we can continue to attract more workers to the Authority. As a government not only with words but with facts we are working on the value of the worker and the commitment to create careers.”
The Minister explained that by the end of next year it is planned that the number of workers within the authority will rise from 26 to 80, and this also with the assistance of educational institutions through specialized training. “OHSA has a crucial role when it comes to the reform of the construction sector and I am confident that this collective agreement will serve as a framework for us to continue to restructure the entity and for the workers to continue to fulfill their function in the most efficient way possible, so that we not only meet people’s expectations but also respond to the demands in the sector”, repeated Minister Attard.
He also spoke about the ongoing work on the new OHSA act which required a review as the law has been in force for the last 20 years. Through the new OHSA law, the organizational structures of the Authority will not only be strengthened by strengthening the Board and the Executive, but it will also include a new system of penalties, compromise procedures, the formulation of a tribunal new Authority and the introduction of a new officer responsible for health and safety within workplaces.
The Minister also spoke about improving the collaboration between the OHSA and the Building and Construction Authority, the BCA, not only to increase effectiveness in the enforcement aspect of the construction sector. , but also to provide a better service to citizens particularly those affected by the construction. Minister Attard ended by thanking all those involved in the discussions so that there could be an agreement on this collective agreement and especially to all the workers who have the responsibility to offer the best service to the a citizen.
Present at the signing ceremony of the collective agreement were Dr. Josianne Cutajar the Chief Executive of OHSA and the President of the General Workers’ Union Victor Carachi. Also present was the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Justice Johan Galea, the Secretary of the Professionals, Finances and Services Section of the General Workers’ Union Riccarda Darmanin and Thomas Woods, Head of Industrial Relations within id -People and Standards Division.
