Best Agreement signed for Court workers

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

The General Workers’ Union has signed the second Collective Agreement for the Court Services Agency workers. This agreement will improve the working conditions of more than 500 workers at an agency that currently employs more than 600 people.

The signing of this agreement took place in the presence of Prime Minister Robert Abela, who expressed his satisfaction that “we have reached this agreement through which we will place the worker at the centre of our policy, in such an important area – Justice.”

“We have invested in one of the priority areas for this country. Justice both for those who receive it and for those who administer it,” said the Prime Minister in his speech. He also recalled how today we have the largest body of the judiciary, with the most Magistrates and Judges we have ever had. He reiterated that the natural next step was to continue investing in the rest of the workforce, which is why today is an important occasion.

This is because more than 500 workers will see a strong improvement in their working conditions. “Not only in their salary but also in other working conditions,” said the Prime Minister.

He also reiterated that this agreement connects holistically with so many measures that this Government has taken for families, including tax cuts that affect workers and even parents. All this thanks to the progressive economic policy that the Government has embraced.

“We are also doing this in a geopolitical context that is leaving so many countries on their knees. At a time of great challenges, where energy prices have exploded upwards, we are being a complete shield for our people,” reiterated the Prime Minister.

Dr Abela concluded by thanking everyone involved in reaching this agreement, including the GWU, for its balanced approach to trade union relations, its consideration of both sides of the coin, while looking primarily at the interests of its members, but also at the other side of the coin, that of the employer.

Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, said that today is not only significant for the Court Services Agency but also for the justice sector.

He stated that in this agency, we have workers who carry out their duties seriously and with commitment every day so that the justice service in our country can always improve. He stressed that this agreement is the result of a serious and responsible process, of negotiations built on mutual respect and dialogue.

GWU Secretary General (Designate) Kevin Camilleri said that “this Collective Agreement represents an important step forward, not only as a formal agreement but because of sincere collaboration between the Court Administration and the General Workers’ Union. Through constructive dialogue and mutual respect, a balance has been reached that strengthens both the stability of the judicial system and the well-being of workers and establishes a solid foundation for a more efficient and sustainable service in the future.”

Chief Executive of the Court Services Agency, Vanessa Grech, said that “we stand here today proudly celebrating this milestone. “This is the second Collective Agreement of this agency. An agreement that concerns more than 500 workers,” said Dr Grech.

She also noted the improvements made in Court services and the extensive investment that has been made, including the new jury room and the introduction of a help desk that facilitates access to information and reduces the need for the public to enter the main building to ask questions where necessary. “This is a clear example of how we are placing the person at the centre of our services,” said the Chief Executive of the Court Services Agency.

Government, Public Entities and Health Section Secretary within the GWU Kendrick Bondin explained how this agreement will be one that will bring more unity and benefits to GWU member workers. “There was consistent collaboration and professional dialogue among all parties involved. Our representatives worked closely with us, and thanks to their support, we were able to secure this success for our workers,” reiterated Secretary Bondin.

GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja was present for this agreement.