New Four-Year Agreement To Improve Working Conditions For GHRC Employees

Jun 19 2025

A new four-year collective agreement is set to bring significant improvements in working conditions and employee benefits for staff at the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC).

Minister Miriam Dalli, speaking at the signing of the agreement between GHRC and the General Workers’ Union (GWU), highlighted the importance of the corporation’s workforce in delivering the government’s vision for the Grand Harbour area.

“The corporation’s workers are a vital pillar of our vision to regenerate the Grand Harbour in a way that puts the community first. This agreement also reflects our commitment to ensuring fair working conditions and long-term stability for everyone in this sector. I am pleased that this step was achieved through genuine collaboration and with full respect for workers’ rights.” said Minister Dalli.

The agreement includes wage increases, improved allowances, enhanced family-friendly measures, and new professional development initiatives to support continuous skills improvement in a modern and inclusive working environment.

GHRC CEO Gino Cauchi expressed his appreciation to all those involved in the negotiations, noting the positive and cooperative spirit throughout the process. He stated that the agreement is a strong indication of the Government’s confidence in GHRC and its employees, whose work continues to drive the regeneration of areas surrounding both the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour.

The Secretary of the GWU Section, Riccarda Darmanin, remarked that the negotiations were carried out with a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, expressing gratitude to all those involved. She also thanked the workers’ representative, John Attard, for his continuous work and support for the Union members.

In recent years, the GHRC has completed several projects, including the regeneration of the Marsamxett area in Valletta, Kalkara Square and waterfront, the entrance to Senglea (Isla), the Pietà and Msida waterfronts, and the Mall Gardens in Floriana. Several other projects are planned and will begin in the coming weeks.

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€1 Million Investment In Free Internet For Post-Secondary Students For 5th Year

Jun 19 2025

With an investment of €1,031,400, students who are eligible for a stipend and who continued their studies immediately after Year 11 (Form 5) will benefit from one year of free internet access. This applies to students attending post-secondary education at state, independent, and church schools, as well as those enrolled in vocational courses at MCAST and ITS.

Eligible students are those who completed compulsory education in 2024 and pursued further studies during the 2024–2025 academic year.

The announcement was made by Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, Clifton Grima, during a press conference.

The support will come in the form of €300 vouchers, which will begin to be distributed in mid-July. These can be redeemed up to Tuesday, 30th September 2025. After this date, unused vouchers will no longer be valid.

Minister Grima explained that this is the fifth consecutive year the scheme is being implemented, bringing the total investment to over €5 million and benefiting more than 7,500 students to date. “This initiative is yet another confirmation of the Government’s commitment to encouraging students to continue their education beyond compulsory schooling,” he said.

The Ministry will renew its agreement with three internet service providers who will take part in the scheme and offer the best on-the-go internet packages to students. However, students may also choose any other internet package offered by their selected provider.

Minister Grima emphasised that this initiative, along with others, is designed to support and encourage young people to continue their studies after completing compulsory education.

Permanent Secretary Matthew Vella added, “This scheme is about more than just free internet. It ensures every student has an equal opportunity to succeed. Technology is now a fundamental part of education not a luxury and by providing internet access, we are making sure no one is left behind. It’s a simple but powerful step towards a more inclusive education system that prepares students for the digital world.”

For more information, students can call 153 or email: [email protected].

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Applications Now Open For The Malta Business Awards

Jun 19 2025

The 4th edition of the Malta Business Awards is officially open for applications!

The three main categories featured at the Malta Business awards are; Distinct Initiatives, Innovative & Sustainable Ambassadors and Celebrating Business.

A total of 20 awards will highlight the outstanding achievements of businesses across Malta and Gozo.

If your business excels in innovation, sustainability, customer experience, or growth, now is your chance to be recognised.

Visit www.maltabusinessawards.mt to apply.

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European Parliament Approves A Resolution Signed By Daniel Attard On The Repression In Iran

Jun 19 2025

European Parliament has approved a powerful resolution condemning the systematic repression carried out by the Iranian regime and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Ahmadreza Jalali. The resolution, signed by Maltese Labour MEP Daniel Attard, who serves as Vice-President of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Iran, sends a clear message: Europe cannot turn a blind eye to blatant human rights abuses.

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Ahmadreza Jalali, a Swedish-Iranian academic, has been imprisoned since 2016 following a sham trial and a confession extracted under torture. He currently faces a serious risk of execution.

The resolution calls for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran to be designated as a terrorist organisation, an expansion of sanctions against officials responsible for acts of torture and killing, and increased diplomatic pressure to end Iran’s hostage-taking policies.

In his speech to the plenary, Attard warned that the European Union’s position must be based on solid principles, not political calculations, “We cannot allow some countries to act one way and others differently. That is not foreign policy; it is a moral failure. Human rights are universal, and Europe must not only speak out but act.”

The Labour MEP added that for Malta and Europe, credibility depends on consistency, “We must be clear and unwavering with Iran. But also with Israel’s brutality in Gaza, Russia’s barbarism in Ukraine, and anyone who resorts to killing and destroying innocent lives.”

On his social media Attard concluded saying, “Human rights are not negotiable. And the world’s war criminals must know: Europe sees you. Europe will call you out. And Europe will act.”

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