Significant improvements for Heritage Malta employees through the new Collective Agreement

19 May 2026 - Economy | Home | News | Politics | Technology | Trade | World and Chronicle

Employees at Heritage Malta will benefit from a new Collective Agreement, providing significant improvements in working conditions while investing in employee wellbeing. The improvements cover financial packages, work-life balance measures, and training programmes aimed at supporting the personal and professional development of workers.

Speaking following the signing of the Agreement, Owen Bonnici said that this agreement is a clear testament to the Government’s commitment towards workers and the cultural sector in Malta. He stated that Heritage Malta employees play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting Malta’s historical and cultural heritage and, therefore deserve modern and fair conditions that reflect the value of their work.

Chairman of Heritage Malta, Mario Cutajar, stressed that the agreement demonstrates Heritage Malta’s strong commitment to its employees. “By strengthening the financial package, improving flexibility, and investing in the professional development of employees, we are ensuring that Heritage Malta remains a strong and forward-looking agency. Our mission rests on the dedication of our workers, and this agreement honours their commitment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Heritage Malta Chief Executive Officer Noel Zammit remarked that, “Heritage Malta’s greatest strength has always been its employees. This new collective agreement is a clear investment in their well-being, development, and future. We introduced significant improvements because our employees deserve conditions that reflect the value of the work they carry out every day. This agreement is not merely an administrative step; it is a commitment towards dignity, fairness, and progress. By strengthening our employees’ working conditions, we are also strengthening the cultural mission entrusted to us. Together, we are building a more resilient, motivated, and future-ready agency.”

The agreement, which covers the period from January 2026 to December 2030, provides for an average increase of 6.5% in basic salaries across all grades, together with a strengthened framework of allowances and benefits. The new financial measures include a Heritage Malta allowance for all grades, a performance bonus linked to annual Key Performance Indicators for certain grades, and a disturbance allowance for employees within Grade A+.

Improvements to existing allowances include increases in performance bonuses, a qualification allowance automatically granted to employees holding MQF Level 7 qualifications or higher, improved shift allowances, better stand-by conditions, and an extended project allowance now applicable to all grades.

The agreement also introduces new measures aimed at strengthening work-life balance. Employees may now benefit from flexible working arrangements such as four-day or six-day flexi-weeks, a two-day-on two-day-off shift system, and a new shift structure allowing for a quarter-hour break so that the working day may finish earlier. Flexible hours have also been extended, enabling employees to start or finish work up to two hours earlier or later. Remote working will continue to be encouraged where operationally possible, while eligibility for reduced hours arrangements has also been expanded.

Additional improvements include increased bereavement leave and a stronger commitment towards professional development through expanded training programmes, sponsorships, and support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives.

The agreement was signed by Noel Zammit, Rachel Caruana, Senior Human Resources Manager at Heritage Malta, Kendrick Bondin – GWU Government, Public Entities and Health Secretary, and James Licari together with Curtis Callus representing the General Workers’ Union at Heritage Malta.

Also present for the signing were Owen Bonnici, Permanent Secretary Kevin Mahoney, and Mario Grixti from the People and Standards Division within the Office of the Prime Minister.