Collective bargaining in the public sector : facilitating the process of change ; the first collective agreement of Heritage Malta ; a case study

Abstract

This study outlines how the union has addressed the employees' overall working conditions during the first collective agreement of Heritage Malta in compliance with the change-over from Museums Department to Heritage Malta and the extent to which the Union had succeeded in doing so. The study delineates the scope of the collective bargaining, the processes for a successful collective bargaining and the importance of management of change. It also shows how interviews and questionnaires were conducted in order to collect data for the presentation of findings. Results reveal that the good relationship between the union and the management had facilitated the process of change. Working conditions especially working hours and detailing of public officers were the most difficult issues to deal with during the negotiations. Outlines of findings are discussed and further suggestions are made.