“A measure we can continue to improve”

22 Sep 2026 - Disciplinary Corps, Security and Law Enforcement Officials | Home | News | Politics | Sections

– Secretary Theo Vella discusses increased benefits for members of the Disciplined Corps

During a discussion meeting with Prime Minister Robert Abela in Fgura, Theo Vella, Secretary of the Disciplined Corps, Security Officers and Law Enforcement Section within the General Workers’ Union (GWU), addressed the recently announced increases in benefits for members of the Disciplined Corps.

In recent days, it was announced that the pension increase of 23%, introduced by the Government three years ago, will now rise to 29% for members of the Disciplined Corps who have served for more than 29 years. Furthermore, the period during which officers may remain in service and receive a non-taxable allowance equivalent to half a year’s salary for each additional year of service has been extended from four to six years.

During his intervention, Secretary Vella emphasised that this measure should not be viewed in isolation. He noted that several significant collective agreements have been concluded in recent years, while the introduction of part-time employment arrangements has helped retain valuable experience within the Disciplined Corps.

“This measure is aimed at a particular group of workers, encouraging members of the Disciplined Corps to remain in service. Participation is entirely voluntary. Anyone wishing to retire after 25 years is completely free to do so, but they now have the opportunity to serve for another four years and strengthen their pension. If someone voluntarily chooses to serve for 33 years, they will receive an additional benefit,” Secretary Vella explained, adding that there is still room for further improvements.

He pointed out that the GWU maintains regular contact with many workers and listens closely to their concerns and proposals.

“What many of these workers are asking for is a gradual increase in benefits as they progress from 25 to 29 years of service. For example, someone who completes 26 years could receive an additional 6.5%. There are workers willing to give that little bit extra, but four additional years may seem too long for them.”

Secretary Vella also highlighted the situation of part-time members of the Armed Forces.

“We also represent part-time members of the Armed Forces. They are asking for this measure to apply to them as well, given that they are still serving on a part-time basis. They should also be entitled to the 29% pension increase once they complete the equivalent of four years of service. This would strengthen their current pensions and allow them to benefit from the measure.”

“These proposals come directly from the workers. I respectfully ask you to consider them,” Secretary Vella reiterated.

In further remarks, he recalled that in February 2015, members of Malta’s Disciplined Corps were granted the right to join a trade union of their choice.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that proposals are carefully researched, reflect workers’ aspirations and avoid creating unintended precedents.

“When putting forward proposals, we must ensure that they make sense, that sufficient research has been carried out, that they reflect what workers want and that they do not create precedents.”

He explained that collective bargaining is a continuous process rather than something that begins shortly before an agreement is signed.

“The negotiation process does not begin on the day we sign an agreement, or just a few weeks beforehand. We are already receiving proposals for the next collective agreements, many of which will expire in four or five years’ time.”

Secretary Vella concluded by expressing confidence in continued cooperation to improve working conditions within the Disciplined Corps.

“I am very confident that, just as we worked with Minister Byron Camilleri over the past few years, we will do the same with Minister Glenn Bedingfield to continue improving conditions and encourage more people to join these corps.”