A historic step that strengthens the foundations of a more efficient, transparent and citizen-focused Authority

14 Apr 2026 - Economy | Home | News | Politics | Technology | Trade | World and Chronicle

The General Workers’ Union has signed the first Collective Agreement for the management workers of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). An agreement that will not only strengthen financial incentives but also improve the work-life balance, recognition and well-being of workers while focusing on their personal growth.

In a speech made before the signing of this agreement, GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja said that this is a significant moment that reflects the work, dedication and commitment of many people who have worked seriously, responsibly and wisely for months to reach this goal. He explained that this agreement is the result of long, intensive and mature negotiations.

“A process where we needed to listen to each other, understand the different positions and above all find a fair balance between the needs and aspirations of the workers, the responsibility of the authority and the client. The fact that we are here today is clear proof that social dialogue when done with good intentions and a clear vision leads to concrete and sustainable results,” said Bugeja.

He added that the BCA plays a crucial role today more than ever in a country that is changing and growing at a rapid pace. “The authority has the responsibility to ensure that development is carried out in a safe, professional and sustainable manner. Workers are at the heart of all this. They are the ones who protect quality and safety in the construction sector. A sector that is not only the backbone of the Maltese economy but has a direct impact on the daily lives of our citizens.”

“Therefore, when we were negotiating this agreement, we were aware that we were not only talking about working conditions but about the future of the Authority and the future of the entire sector,” reiterated the GWU Secretary General.

This agreement, which covers the ranks of Senior Heads, Heads and Senior Managers, gives clear and concrete recognition to the crucial role that these workers play in the leadership, decision-making and implementation of the Authority’s functions. In total, the agreement affects 43 positions, including those currently in the recruitment process.

Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, described this Collective Agreement as a historic step that not only recognises management responsibility, but also strengthens the foundations of a more efficient, transparent and citizen-focused Authority.

This step is part of a continuous investment in the Authority’s human capital. In fact, the workforce has grown from 72 workers at the end of 2023 to 126 workers today, an increase of 75%. At the same time, the operating budget has increased from €5 million to €9 million, while funds for 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 in the construction sector. Recent initiatives include reforms in the licensing of contractors and builders, joint inspections with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA), the launch of the 138 helplines, and the introduction of a free lawyer and architect service for 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 (GWU), the Industrial Relations Unit (IRU) within the Office of the Prime Minister, management and workers’ representatives.

“This agreement not only strengthens the working conditions and welfare of workers, but also consolidates a commitment towards a more modern, efficient and fair public service, based on principles of transparency, accountability and mutual respect,” concluded Minister Attard.

BCA Chief Executive, Architect Roderick Bonnici, thanked all those who worked to reach this agreement. He also said that the Authority will continue to work to ensure that every worker in the sector has a Skill Card and therefore this agreement should serve as an incentive for the Authority’s workers to achieve this goal,” said Bonnici.

GWU Professionals, Services and Finance Section Secretary Riccarda Darmanin said that “this is a historic agreement, the first for the BCA. We have succeeded in giving the managerial grades new wage scales. We have also introduced new allowances that are worthy of these workers who have a lot of responsibility. We wanted to lay a solid foundation for future Collective Agreements.”

The agreement on behalf of the BCA was signed by the Chief Executive Roderick Bonnici, Chief Officer Karsten Cilia Zarb and Senior Head Ryan Mallia while on behalf of the GWU it was signed by Secretary Riccarda Darmanin, Assistant Secretary Cynthia Schembri and Shop Stewards Bian Loffreda, Ivan Muscat and Lydon Vella. Thomas Woods, Head of Industrial Relations in the Office of the Prime Minister, also signed.