Malta Freeport Terminals has signed a new collective agreement with the General Workers’ Union covering 2018-2022 that provides its engineering department’s employees with better conditions while at the same time improving efficiency.

The engineering section, represented by the GWU, plays a vital role in operations since its members maintain and repair all the equipment used at the Freeport, which operates round the clock.

Malta Freeport Terminals CEO Alex Montebello said: “Efficiency is pivotal to the Freeport’s success since we operate in a highly competitive environment. I would like to thank everyone involved in securing this collective agreement.”

The Freeport recently invested €31 million in new equipment and infrastructural works that includes 15 Kone Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) together with 67 new tractors and trailers.

As well as being faster and more environmentally-friendly than conventional RTGs, the new cranes are fitted with safety alarms that are considerably quieter which will also be installed on older models for the benefit of the neighbourhood.

GWU general secretary Josef Bugeja and section secretary Sandro Vella attended the signing ceremony on behalf of the union.

The Freeport handles 20 weekly mainline services, providing network links to 130 ports around the world, and handled over 3.31 million TEU containers and received more than 2,200 vessels over the past 12 months.