A new collective agreement governing the employment conditions of the Authority’s professional grades has been signed by the Planning Authority and the Union Professjonisti fl-Ambjent u fl-Ippjanar.

The signing of the new collective agreement was presided over by Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, together with the Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority, Johann Buttigieg; President of the Union, Christopher Attard; Director for Cooperative Services, Kevin Portelli; Union Secretary General, Mark O’Neil; Vice President Bernard Ferry; and Thomas Woods, Head of Industrial Relations – OPM.

Minister Camilleri explained that the new collective agreement will result in salary increases and improved allowances for employees, with the goal of enhancing overall compensation and benefits packages.

He emphasised that the aim of the agreement goes beyond financial aspects; it also seeks to provide clear guidance on working conditions, setting a standard that future employees can aspire to. Additionally, the agreement ensures a “better balance between work and personal life.”

“Through this robust and long-term collective agreement, the Government is sending a clear message that it truly values its workers. Beyond salary increases, the agreement also promotes several key areas, including incentives for continuous professional development. This is also an agreement that safeguards the wellbeing of employees, as it introduces measures to support a healthy work-life balance, without compromising the quality of service provided by these employees,” stated Minister Clint Camilleri.

It was explained that this long-term agreement, which will remain in force until 2030, covers 174 professional employees and reflects the Authority’s commitment to fostering a stable, motivated, and high-performing workforce. It introduces a better financial package with improved employment conditions aimed at attracting and retaining top talent while ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality planning services.

Executive Chairperson Johann Buttigieg remarked, “through this collective agreement, we are not only offering a competitive package to our professionals, but we are also attracting a younger generation to the Authority. The Planning Authority not only does its utmost to offer the family-friendly measures available nationally but also strives to go beyond what is currently provided.”

He added that the Authority places great importance on the wellbeing of employees in the workplace. However, it also expects employees to enhance their efficiency. “In fact, in the coming days, improvements will be made to operations and technology within the Authority.”

The Authority said that the new collective agreement marks a significant step forward for both the Authority and its professional staff. Besides a better salary package that reflects today’s standard of living requirements, more family-friendly measures and flexible work arrangements that promote a healthier work-life balance have been introduced.

“These improved work conditions aim not only to support employees but also to strengthen the quality of service provided by the Authority to its customers,” it said.

The agreement also incentives continuous professional development through the introduction of increased study leave allowances – investments that will help cultivate a more skilled and professional workforce. Additionally, the Authority said that “a new enforcement allowance has been introduced for officers within the Enforcement Directorate, offering a targeted incentive to those responsible for direct enforcement actions.”

Union President, Christopher Attard, stated, “as the Union of Environment and Planning Professionals, this marks our fifth collective agreement. This time, we’re seeing a financial package that is competitive in today’s job market. At the same time, we have aimed to present an attractive offer to new recruits in our sector, while retaining our current employees.”

The Planning Authority said that it “welcomes the successful conclusion of this agreement and looks forward to continued collaboration with its employees in building a more efficient, effective, and successful organisation.”

Photo: DOI

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