PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR EUROPEAN FUNDS, SOCIAL DIALOGUE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION MCCAA signs new Collective Agreement delivering substantial improvements in salaries, employee benefits and professional development opportunities

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has signed a new Collective Agreement covering employees represented by the General Workers' Union (GWU) and UĦM – Voice of the Workers.

The Agreement, covering the period 2026–2030, represents a significant investment in the Authority’s workforce, introducing substantial improvements in remuneration, professional recognition, working arrangements and employee wellbeing.

Present for the signing were Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Permanent Secretary with the Office of the Prime Minister (People & Standards) Joyce Cassar, Permanent Secretary Jonathan Vassallo, MCCAA Executive Chairperson Carmen Ciantar, representatives of the General Workers' Union (GWU) and UĦM – Voice of the Workers, officials from the Industrial Relations Unit (IRU), and members of the Authority's senior management.

A key feature of the new Collective Agreement is a substantial improvement in employees’ remuneration packages, with an immediate front-loaded adjustment in 2026, followed by annual increases of 3.5% in basic salary scales until 2030. It also introduces a more structured and equitable allowance framework, including a new MCCAA Allowance applicable across all grades, alongside improvements to other applicable allowances. ensuring better recognition of employees' responsibilities and professional contributions.

Particular emphasis has been placed on recognising academic qualifications and professional expertise through an enhanced Qualification Allowance, extending eligibility to employees holding qualifications at MQF Level 7 or higher, irrespective of whether these were originally required for their appointment.

The Agreement also introduces more flexible working arrangements, with alternative work schedules and clearly defined core working hours, alongside improved leave provisions to support a healthier work-life balance.

Professional development remains another key priority. Employees will benefit from enhanced study leave entitlements, increased support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and broader opportunities to further develop their skills and qualifications.

Furthermore, the Agreement strengthens family-friendly measures and employee support through improved leave provisions, including enhanced arrangements for parental responsibilities, carer’s leave, bereavement, and miscarriage.  An important new solidarity measure also allows employees to voluntarily donate up to 100 hours of annual vacation leave to colleagues facing serious illness, providing practical support during particularly difficult circumstances.

Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised that this agreement demonstrates how social dialogue delivers tangible improvements in workers’ lives. “We want workers to have the support they need to continue protecting consumers and strengthening fair competition, while enjoying working conditions that respect their needs. This is why the Government continues to invest in the Public Service. Even at a time when other countries are reducing this investment, the Maltese Government remains committed to investing in these workers,” the Minister added.

The MCCAA Executive Chairperson, Carmen Ciantar, said the Collective Agreement reflects the Authority’s commitment to recognising and investing in its employees, whose dedication, knowledge and professionalism are central to the effective delivery of its mandate. She added that better employment conditions, recognition of qualifications and expertise, and opportunities for professional growth are essential to maintaining a motivated and competent workforce. She emphasised that investing in employees ultimately strengthens the Authority's ability to respond to the evolving needs of consumers and businesses.

The signing of this collective agreement marks an important milestone for the MCCAA, reaffirming its commitment to its employees while strengthening its capacity to fulfil its regulatory, competition and consumer protection responsibilities.