Government signs irst ever sectoral agreement with AFM improving soldiers’ conditions

The government has signed the first ever sectoral agreement with the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), which will see soldiers get better conditions through an €8.2 million agreement.

The agreement, which was signed between the government and the union representing AFM soldiers, will see soldiers benefit on three levels.

Firstly, soldiers of any rank, up to the Chief position, will have their salary scale upgraded. Secondly, this benefit will also be reflected in a substantial increase in allowances that AFM soldiers receive as well as in their pension rates. Thirdly, soldiers will now also be paid for any extra hours they work after going over the 40-hour mark, which was not the case up until now.

During his address, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that this government implemented the idea of having all Disciplinary Corps work 40 hours per week as it believes that everyone should be paid for the hours they work. This was first introduced in a collective agreement for the Police Force, followed by the Civil Protection Department.

This will happen through heavy extra Duty Allowance which vary depending on the hours and shift that the soldier works.

Camilleri referred to the inquiry sparked by a criminal complaint filed by civil society NGO Repubblika, which asked the police to investigate the crew of the P52 for attempted homicide which resulted in unfounded claims.

“I know that recently you experienced uneasy moments, as you have sustained unjust reputational damage. But today the country is celebrating your work and thanking you for it.”

Prime Minster Robert Abela also made reference to this case saying that whoever opens such an inquiry should consider that these soldiers are risking their lives each day and that they have families waiting for them as well.

He explained that this is an €8.2million investment in around 1,750 AFM soldier and added that while the contract was signed today, part of the agreement will have a retroactive as from January 2019. This means that certain AFM soldiers will receive a substantial amount in reimbursements.