Malta has signed the first-ever Collective Agreement for employees of the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence.
The agreement was signed during a formal ceremony led by Prime Minister Robert Abela and Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg. It covers a five-year period and includes salary improvements, flexible working arrangements, and new allowances for staff - many of whom work in high-stress, emotionally demanding environments, a government statement read.
Prime Minister Abela stated that the agreement reflects not only a commitment to fairer employment conditions but also the government's deep respect for the professionals dedicated to protecting victims and addressing a widespread social issue.
"This agreement shows our appreciation for those who work with dedication to support victims and fight this social scourge. Hearing first-hand the daily experiences of these workers reveals just how crucial ongoing attention and full resourcing of this sector really are," the Prime Minister said.
The agreement was signed a day after the government also announced the rollout of panic alarms for high-risk domestic violence victims - a key investment aimed at protection and prevention.
Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg noted that this agreement sends a clear message about the government's prioritisation of the domestic violence crisis. "This is a further demonstration of our commitment. We are backing our words with concrete results," she said.
Buttigieg added that the agreement will empower workers in their mission to implement Malta's National Strategy on Gender-Based and Domestic Violence 2023-2028, a multi-year plan grounded in the Istanbul Convention's four pillars: prevention, protection, prosecution, and coordinated policies.
"This agreement is being signed as the Commission's staff are making administrative and logistical preparations for the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence campaign. This campaign grows more impactful every year, and this deal will only strengthen the workers delivering it," she said.
Samantha Pace Gasan, Commissioner for Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence, described the agreement as a crucial tool in attracting and retaining talent while enhancing coordination and training efforts within the Commission.
"It's a reflection of the importance of those who work tirelessly every day to address gender-based violence and domestic abuse. This collective agreement supports not just their wellbeing, but also our national efforts in effectively implementing the strategy," she said.
The Commission plays a central role in carrying out the 23 measures and 81 concrete actions outlined in the national strategy. Through collaboration with stakeholders, it aims to build a system that prioritises prevention, victim support, and successful prosecution of offenders.