New Collective Agreement For Clerical Workers In Local, Regional Councils

New Collective Agreement For Clerical Workers In Local, Regional Councils
Jan 23 2025 Share

A new collective agreement signed today will improve working conditions for over 260 clerical employees within Malta and Gozo’s Local and Regional Councils.

The agreement, reached between the Association of Local Councils and the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin (UĦM), introduces a range of enhancements designed to support workers and encourage career growth.

The signing ceremony was attended by Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, Ministry Permanent Secretary Kevin Mahoney, and Joyce Cassar, Permanent Secretary from the Office of the Prime Minister.

This agreement, developed in collaboration with the Local Government Division and the Industrial Relations Section, strengthens financial packages, improves employment terms, and creates more opportunities for training and career advancement.

It also highlights the essential role of clerical staff in providing services to communities across Malta and Gozo while offering pathways for individuals interested in pursuing careers in local government.

Minister Bonnici praised the collaborative efforts behind the agreement and underscored key benefits, including salary increases and 10 cultural leave days per year for employees representing Malta at cultural events.

Special leave for participation in sporting events under SportMalta schemes, indefinite contracts for new employees, and improved allowances and performance bonuses are also included.

Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli celebrated the agreement as a step forward for clerical staff, offering both financial improvements and professional development opportunities.

She expressed gratitude to council employees for their invaluable contributions and recognised the teamwork that brought the agreement to fruition.

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1.65 Million Sea Passengers Between Malta-Gozo In 2024 Q3

1.65 Million Sea Passengers Between Malta-Gozo In 2024 Q3
Jan 23 2025 Share

Sea transport between Malta and Gozo saw notable increases in trips, vehicles, and passengers during the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Between October and December 2024, 11,463 trips carried 1,655,197 passengers.

October was the busiest month, accounting for 34.5% of trips (3,949) and 37% of passengers (519,888).

While passenger numbers on the Mġarr-Ċirkewwa route decreased slightly by 2.4% to 1,406,265, vehicle traffic rose by 1.3%, totalling 507,089.

Trips increased by 6.4%, reaching 9,059, with October registering the highest number (3,083).

Passenger traffic from Mġarr was busiest on weekends, while Ċirkewwa traffic peaked on Fridays and Saturdays.

Fast ferry services also experienced significant growth. In the fourth quarter, 2,404 trips carried 248,932 passengers, marking increases of 43.8% in trips and 44.6% in passengers compared to the same period in 2023.

October alone accounted for 866 trips and 111,503 passengers, the highest for the quarter.

For the full year 2024, total sea transport trips rose by 5.8% (2,428 trips), vehicle movements increased by 2.3% (47,314), and passengers grew by 4.5% (296,596).

August was the peak month, recording 4,099 trips, 205,246 vehicles, and 698,310 passengers.

#MaltaDaily

CPD Malta Train In Earthquake Simulation

CPD Malta Train In Earthquake Simulation
Jan 23 2025 Share

The Civil Protection Malta shared photos of their most recent Earthquake Simulation at Fort Campbell, Selmun.

The officers engaged in an intense simulation of such a natural disaster to prepare the disciplined forces for such a situation.

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With experienced members on site along with newer recruits, the team had to put all their collective training and knowledge to ensure the safety and success of the missions.

#MaltaDaily

Local Shares Document Of Malta’s Population In 1800

Local Shares Document Of Malta's Population In 1800
Jan 23 2025 Share

Local entrepreneur Clive Demicoli shared a document that purports to be from the 1800s, detailing the population of Malta.

The document claims that there were 80,196 people living in Malta, whereas there were 12,815 living in Gozo. This adds up to a total of 93,011.

Valletta and Floriana reportedly had upwards of 24,000 people living there, with areas like Vittoriosa and Senglea boasting over 3,000 and 4,200 respectively.

The document also highlights the names of localities as they were reportedly known, with Zurrieq being called ‘Zurrico’ and Birkirkara being called Birchircara.

According to reports from last year, Malta’s current population (by the end of 2022), stood at around 542,000.

A claim ran rampant in June of 2024 that Malta’s population had jumped to over 717,000, but Times of Malta shared NSO statistics that show a more generous estimate at around 540,000.

Still, that’s a long distance from 540,000 – a difference of over 446,000!

#MaltaDaily