In recent weeks, we have seen tangible progress in both the justice and construction sectors, progress which, in my view, confirms a very important principle: a lasting reform can only be achieved through dialogue, responsibility, and a shared commitment to improvement.

A clear example of this approach is the collective agreement signed for employees within the Court Services Agency.

This agreement is the result of close collaboration between the court administration and the General Workers' Union. Through constructive dialogue and mutual respect, we have reached a balanced outcome, one that strengthens the stability of our judicial system while also improving the well-being of the people who sustain it. At the same time, it lays a solid foundation for a more efficient and sustainable service in the years ahead.

Importantly, this agreement goes beyond improving working conditions. It creates new employment opportunities, strengthens career progression structures, and opens the door to greater professional development. It is fully aligned with our broader vision, which is to continue investing in human resources, infrastructure, and legal reform, as part of our ongoing work towards a more specialised and effective justice system.

This commitment is also reflected in the investment being made in the very spaces where justice is delivered. We are expanding court capacity, strengthening security, and developing new facilities such as Palazzo Conte. At the same time, we are continuing to plan for modern and accessible infrastructure, including in Gozo, while embracing technology through improved equipment, stronger connectivity, and digital systems that simplify the way cases are handled.

A similarly important milestone has been reached within the construction sector through the first collective agreement for management grades at the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). This agreement is the product of serious and responsible negotiations, built on respect and constructive dialogue between all those involved, including the General Workers' Union, the Industrial Relations Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister, as well as management and workers' representatives.

This collective agreement covers senior heads, heads, and senior managers, and gives due recognition to the crucial role they play in leadership, decision-making, and the implementation of the authority's functions. In total, it applies to 43 posts, including those currently in the recruitment process.

This step forms part of a wider and ongoing investment in the Authority's human capital. The growth in the BCA's workforce, from 72 employees at the end of 2023 to 126 today, reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen capacity. At the same time, the increase in operational funding, as well as in resources allocated to schemes and initiatives, is enabling the Authority to deliver more effectively.

These investments are already yielding results. We are seeing more efficient and accessible services for citizens, alongside higher standards across the construction sector. Reforms in contractor licensing, joint inspections with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, the introduction of helpline 138, and the provision of free legal and architectural support to third parties affected by construction are all part of this broader effort.

At the same time, another collective agreement covering technical and administrative grades within the BCA further underlines our commitment to employees at every level. This agreement, which will benefit 90 employees, introduces meaningful improvements in working conditions, including stronger salary structures, enhanced allowances, and more flexible working arrangements.

As we approach 1 May, a day dedicated to the dignity of work and the contribution of workers, it is fitting to reflect on what these agreements truly represent. They are about people, their well‑being, their opportunities, and their essential role in shaping the future of the sectors they serve. Stronger institutions can only be built by investing in those who make them function every day. That conviction lies at the heart of these reforms, and it remains a commitment we will continue to honour in the years ahead.

Jonathan Attard is Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector