Around 2,000 members of the Police Corps are set to benefit from better wages and working conditions following a newly signed agreement, the government announced. This agreement was signed by the Government and by representatives of the workers in the corps.

Prime Minister Robert Abela met with officers and some recruits at the Academy for Disciplinary Bodies. While he was there, the Prime Minister spoke about the importance of investing in the officers of the Police Force, saying that it is a direct investment in workers who are useful, of service, and protagonists in the common good.

Aside from simple increases in wages, this sectoral agreement shall also provide allowances among other benefits such as faster progression up the salary scale. Officers shall also be legally protected while fulfilling their work duties; this legal protection has been given to cover them as they fulfil their tasks as they may encounter certain “unpredictable scenarios”.

Prime Minister Abela remarked that the government must continue providing them with the necessary tools through investment to help them continue maintaining order within local communities. Abela made this comment whilst officers were describing the nature of their duties and the importance behind continuous training.

On behalf of the benefitting members of the corps, representatives from the two unions – the Police Officers’ Union (within the General Workers’ Union) and the Malta Police Union – welcomed this sectoral agreement, signing it immediately as the previous agreement expired.

The POU-GWU thought positively of this agreement, saying that built on the former agreement by improving wages and working conditions for all officers and because “it recognized the Police Force as a crucial pillar in favour of maintaining order”. Similarly, the MPU were satisfied with the signed agreement, saying that, apart from bolstering present working conditions, it should also provide a solid basis for the future.

Interior Minister Byron Camilleri and Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana were also present alongside the Prime Minister for the signing of this agreement.