From left to right: (Back row) Mr Mario Sacco, Director UHM, Ms Natalie Cauchi, Ms Isabelle Farrugia, Assistant Director - Education & Social Solidarity Section UHM, Mr Matthew Vella, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Education, Hon. Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation, Pro-Chancellor of UM, Dr Karmenu Vella, Mr Thomas Woods . Head of Industrial Relations Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister (Front row), Mr Josef Vella, CEO UHM, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, UM Rector
Through the Collective Agreement signed on Thursday 25 April 2024, the working conditions and financial package of some 940 administrative, technical, and industrial staff of the University of Malta are being strengthened.
The agreement, covering the period until the end of 2027, was signed by the President of the University Council, Perit Karmenu Vella, Professor Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the University, and Josef Vella, Isabelle Farrugia, Noel Caruana, and Nathalie Cauchi on behalf of the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin.
Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Clifton Grima, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, Matthew Vella and Thomas Woods, Head of the Industrial Relations Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister, were present for the signing of the agreement.
Minister Clifton Grima said, "This collective agreement is a demonstration of our commitment to invest in our greatest resource, the human resource. By strengthening working conditions as well as the financial package, and introducing other measures that collectively reflect today's realities, we are also strengthening opportunities for career progression for these workers."
Josef Vella, Chief Executive Officer of the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin, expressed satisfaction with the achieved agreement which will lead to better conditions, salary improvements, and more flexibility, which is an important element in achieving a better balance between work and family. He continued that the union will closely monitor the implementation of this agreement. He thanked all those who participated in this agreement for their work and dedication.
Matthew Vella, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, thanked the Union Ħaddiema Maqgħudin and the University of Malta for their collaboration to finalise this collective agreement. "This achievement reflects the efforts taken by the Ministry for Education to foster a culture based on open dialogue, actively listening, and acting according to one's needs while ensuring that the individual remains at the center of all decisions made," said Mr Vella.
Professor Alfred J. Vella, UM Rector, commented that without administrative support, an institution like the University cannot function properly. "We need to keep in mind the evolving needs of our staff. I am pleased that we have reached this point and appreciate the honest way in which the signatories always represented these needs."