Historic Collective Agreement Signed for Legal Aid Agency Administrative Staff
The General Workers’ Union (GWU) has signed the first-ever collective agreement for administrative employees at Malta’s Legal Aid Agency, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s development.
GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja described the agreement as a foundational step that provides structure, improved conditions, and better wages for workers who are playing an increasingly vital role in the agency’s growth.
“The discussions were very cordial, with both sides understanding each other’s needs—the aspirations of the workers and the operational requirements of the agency to deliver quality service to its clients and the civil service,” Bugeja said. “When both parties share a common goal, negotiations become smoother and more productive.”
Present at the signing was Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform, Dr Jonathan Attard, who hailed the agreement as a testament to the government’s commitment to a public service that upholds workers’ dignity and strengthens social justice.
“This agreement comes just days after the presentation of Budget 2026—‘A Strong Economy – A Future for Our Children’—which allocated a record amount of funding to the justice sector,” said Minister Attard. “It clearly reflects the government’s vision for a fairer, more modern, and competitive Malta, where workers remain central to improving working conditions.”
Minister Attard also highlighted the agency’s substantial growth over recent years, now administering services through over 50 lawyers specializing in civil disputes, criminal cases, and victim support. This expansion has been accompanied by reforms and investments, including the introduction of the Legal Aid Management System, which has enhanced efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
Other initiatives mentioned include:
- Launch of a user-friendly website with updated service information;
- Educational campaigns in communities and schools to raise awareness of legal rights;
- Informational leaflets for professionals such as social workers and teachers to foster collaboration with various stakeholders.
The Minister announced that the next step will be the transfer of the Office of the Child Advocate under the Legal Aid Agency’s mandate—a reform aimed at expanding legal services to better protect children. This will be complemented by a joint project with the Commissioner for Children to promote awareness of children’s rights in schools and communities.
Over the past year, the Legal Aid Agency responded to 2,820 information requests and provided legal assistance in 215 civil cases, over 1,400 criminal cases, and more than 300 cases involving crime victims.
“True justice begins with a service that listens, understands, and acts. This collective agreement is a concrete symbol of that mission—mutual respect and improved conditions for workers that ultimately lead to more accessible justice for all,” concluded Minister Attard.
Legal Aid Agency CEO Bruno Zahra emphasized that a strong agency is built on a motivated team. He outlined the transformation over the past 11 years from a basic service to a structured system with specialized panels, continuous training, and new roles tailored to the needs of modern justice.
Also present at the signing were Dr Joyce Cassar, Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister; Johan Galea, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Justice and Construction Sector Reform; Kendrick Bondin, Secretary of the GWU Government, Public Entities and Health Section; Assistant Secretary Lawrence Bugeja; workers’ representative Jason Cutajar; and Deputy Head of Industrial Relations Mario Grixti.
