New Collective Agreement Signed for Engineering Resources Limited Employees

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

A new collective agreement has been signed for employees of Engineering Resources Limited (ERL) following a negotiation process that lasted over the past twelve months.

The agreement, which covers the period between 2025 and 2030, will bring substantial improvements to the working conditions of around 800 ERL employees who provide services to Enemalta and to the International Energy Service Centre (IESC), a subsidiary of Enemalta.

The agreement includes improvements in basic salaries, enhanced overtime rates, increased allowances, and better family-related special leave conditions. These measures were agreed upon to ensure that employees’ working conditions better reflect the realities and demands of today’s labour market and the evolving nature of the work carried out by ERL employees.

This is undoubtedly the best collective agreement ever negotiated for ERL employees.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli stated that the agreement is a clear confirmation of the Government’s commitment to better working conditions, fairer wages, and appropriate recognition of workers’ skills.

“This collective agreement is a very important step forward for ERL employees and their families. After a year of serious and constructive negotiations, we are delivering a concrete result that recognises the contribution, experience, and dedication of these workers. ERL employees have always been, and continue to be, an essential part of Enemalta’s operations and the energy-related services provided in our country. At the same time, we must also acknowledge that over the years many of them have adapted to new realities, different workplaces, and new trades. This requires flexibility, commitment, and continuous training, and therefore it was only right that their conditions be significantly improved. In doing so, we are also continuing to strengthen the country’s resilience together,” said Minister Dalli.

The Minister added that the agreement also demonstrates how economic growth should translate into direct benefits for workers.

“The improved basic salaries, better overtime rates, stronger allowances, and enhanced family-related leave conditions all show that workers remain at the centre of our policies. We want a labour market that is competitive but also fair; one that attracts and retains skills, while at the same time providing dignity and stability to workers. This agreement reflects precisely that balance. It is an investment in people, in their skills, and in the quality of service delivered to the country,” Minister Dalli added.

GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja said:

“These negotiations took time because, apart from improving working conditions, increasing salaries, and strengthening allowances, we also introduced new allowances for these employees as their world of work continues to evolve. There were also other salary and pension issues that were addressed. Here one can see the success of social dialogue between employers and employees, as well as the role of the GWU in achieving the right balance between workers’ aspirations and the needs of the workplace.”

Meanwhile, Rita Dimech, Secretary of the GWU Chemical and Energy Section, stated that the new Collective Agreement represents an important step forward for ERL employees.

“Through this agreement, substantial improvements were secured in salaries, allowances, and dignified working conditions, as well as opportunities for employees to continue strengthening their professional knowledge and skills. Furthermore, the right to overtime pay at the appropriate rate was recognised, after for many years being paid at a lower rate. All these achievements were made possible thanks to the committee’s continuous and responsible work, together with the strong support and unity of our members,” said Dimech.

This collective agreement therefore not only strengthens the financial and social conditions of employees, but also recognises the value of their work and their continuous contribution towards essential services for the country.