Hon. Jonathan Attard, Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, presided over the signing of the first collective agreement for managerial grades within the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). This marks a historic step that continues to strengthen governance and human resources, while reflecting the government’s commitment to investing in a more skilled and professional workforce.

Minister Attard said that, for this government, workers are not merely a resource, but the heart of the public service and the driving force behind the change needed in the construction sector.

The agreement covers the grades of senior heads, heads, and senior managers, providing clear and tangible recognition of the crucial role they play in leadership, decision-making, and the implementation of the Authority’s functions. In total, it applies to 43 positions, including those currently in the recruitment process.

The signing of this agreement reinforces the government’s vision of placing workers at the centre of its policies. It also reflects a continued commitment to investing in skills, strengthening leadership roles, and recognising the value of responsibility within the workforce.

The Minister described the agreement as a historic step that recognises managerial responsibility while strengthening the foundations of a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused Authority.

This step forms part of ongoing investment in the Authority’s human capital. The workforce has grown from 72 employees at the end of 2023 to 126 today, marking a 75% increase. Furthermore, the operational budget has risen from €5 million to €9 million, while funds allocated to schemes and initiatives have increased from €500,000 to €4 million.

This momentum is already delivering more efficient and accessible services for citizens, while raising standards across the construction sector. Recent initiatives include reforms to the licensing of contractors and builders, joint inspections with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, the launch of helpline 138, and the introduction of a free service offering legal and architectural assistance to third parties affected by construction.

Minister Attard emphasised that the agreement is the result of constructive and responsible negotiations built on respect and dialogue between all parties involved, including the General Workers’ Union, the Industrial Relations Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister, management, and workers’ representatives.

The Minister added that the agreement strengthens working conditions and employee well-being, while reinforcing a commitment to a more modern, efficient, and fair public service built on transparency, accountability, and mutual respect.

BCA Chief Executive Officer, Architect Roderick Bonnici, noted that the agreement strengthens financial incentives while also improving work-life balance, recognition, and employee well-being, with a clear focus on personal development. He added that, in the coming months, the Authority will continue working to ensure that every worker in the sector holds a skill card, with the agreement serving as an incentive for employees to help drive this goal forward.

General Workers’ Union Secretary General, Josef Bugeja, described the agreement as a clear declaration of commitment by both the GWU and the government in their belief in workers. He added that it reflects a shared ambition to build a stronger and more sustainable future, where economic growth is responsible and progress goes hand in hand with dignity, working conditions, and workers’ safety.

Also present for the signing were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Johan Galea, representatives of the General Workers’ Union, and BCA employees.