The Professional, Finance, and Services Section within the General Workers’ Union
(GWU) has signed a new collective agreement with the Ministry for Agriculture,
Fisheries, and Animal Rights, aimed at public officials in the veterinary sector.
This agreement, effective from January 1, 2024, introduces improved working
conditions for employees and offers enhanced career progression opportunities for
veterinary professionals. It includes substantial increases in allowances and
improvements in various terms of employment, rewarding development and training
efforts.
The agreement was signed by Riccarda Darmanin, Secretary of the GWU’s
Professional Section, alongside workers’ representative Dr. Sergio Fiore, Permanent
Secretary within the Ministry Sharlo Camilleri, Director General Dr. Marica Gatt,
Principal Permanent Secretary Joyce Cassar, and Deputy Head (Industrial Relations
Unit) Mario Grixti from the People & Standards Division. Present for the signing
ceremony were Minister Anton Refalo, Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said,
and GWU Secretary-General Josef Bugeja.
During the ceremony, Riccarda Darmanin expressed gratitude to all parties involved
for their goodwill throughout the negotiations, which concluded to the satisfaction of
both sides. She also thanked shop stewards Dr. Sergio Fiore and Dr. Vito Domenico
Benvenga for their dedicated work and the union members for their continued
support of the GWU.
Permanent Secretary Sharlo Camilleri acknowledged the contributions of everyone
who participated in the discussions, which were conducted in an atmosphere of
mutual respect and a shared commitment to improving conditions for veterinary
professionals.
This agreement marks a significant step forward for professionals in this critical
sector, ensuring better recognition and support for their essential work.
