Ministry denies performance bonuses ‘cut to 10% across the board’

● Sources say agreed package has been violated

The Education Ministry has denied claims by senior sources in the Education Department that the agreement regarding the amounts of performance bonus has been violated. The sources claim that the Ministry has reduced the amounts to 10 per cent across the board as part of a costcutting exercise.

A source explained that directors, assistant directors and service managers in the Department have all had their performance bonus reduced to 10 per cent. “Every year, we used to agree on a performance bonus with the Permanent Secretary. We used to sign an agreement and be given a copy. This year we agreed on a figure and signed the agreement, but we were not provided with a copy. No reason was given.”

The source said the reason why the officials were not given a copy of the agreement has now become evident. “We received our performance bonus this week. Everyone had 10 per cent, even those of us who had agreed on a higher figure. We were not given an explanation or the opportunity to defend our work.”

Some officials were actually entitled to 14 per cent but had only received a 10 per cent bonus. “Some of us were robbed of more than €1,000. This was done as part of a cost-cutting exercise, without any regard for the work we have done.”

The source claimed that this was the reason why the bonus was only paid after the EP election. “Konrad Mizzi’s wife receives €13,000 a month and we lose part of the amount we had agreed upon because the government wants to save money.”

Ministry denies claims

In reply to questions sent by The Malta Independent on Sunday, an Education Ministry spokesman said it does not comment on an individual’s performance bonus, “Especially since we do not know to which particular case you are referring.”

The spokesman said: “It is incorrect to say there is one set, standard percentage, because the percentage of the performance bonus varies every year depending on set targets. All the performance bonuses of an employee are discussed with their line manager, as standard practice, and finalised by the Principal Permanent Secretary’s Office.”