Updated | Hundreds in public service get indefinite contracts in major reform

A public service circular issued on Tuesday will see hundreds of civil service workers on definite three-year contracts, benefit from an indefinite contract upon expiry of their terms.

The move was announced by the principal permanent secretary Mario Cutajar, in a sweeping reform which he said would address a discrimination created in the past between civil servants, and those employed from outside the public service.

“The removal of this discrimination will mean all workers who are on statutory probation inside the public service are now equal with each other,” Cutajar said.

Malta is expected to enter into election mode this year as it edges closer to a potential voting day season for November, or go for its standard March 2018 appointment.

"The previous situation constituted discrimination against public service employees, who effectively faced a three-year probation period compared to the maximum of one year in the private service," principal permanent secretary Mario Cutajar said.

He said the new rules standardise probation periods across all sectors and will now help the public service remain competitive by retaining its best employees indefinitely.

A new collective agreement for public service employees is now also expected to be finalised soon, after the expiry of the previous agreement in December. Cutajar said new rules will be introduced for human resources and financing, as well as the creation of the Institute for Public Services together with MCAST and the University of Malta.

PN to respect civil servant contracts

In reaction to the announcement, the Nationalist Party said that it will be respecting contracts signed with civil servants, including those which will move to indefinite contracts.

“What was announced yesterday is a right introduced by the Nationalist government and will be respected in its entirety under a new Nationalist government,” the party said in a statement.

PN pledged to put an end to discrimination which it claims was caused by the move announced on Tuesday.

“Yesterday’s announcement caused injustice to some civil service workers who were left out. A new Nationalist government will address this issue to ensure that there is no form of discrimination.”

The party added that it will work to address the “injustice” taking place between civil servants and other contracted workers that carry out the same work for less pay.

“A new Nationalist government will implement the principle of equal pay for equal work. Under the Nationalist Party, those who do the same work will be paid the same wage.”