Management and workers of NLA reach agreement to end industrial action over 2026 salary
The parties have also agreed to increase the utility allowance from eight per cent to 10 per cent.
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) and the Financial Business and Services Employees Union (FBSEU) have reached an agreement to end weeks of tension over salary adjustments for 2026. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, workers will receive a 12 percent increase in their basic salaries, effective January 1, 2026. Additionally, the utility allowance will increase from eight percent to ten percent.
The agreement resolves the impasse that led to industrial action by workers earlier this month. The union had initially demanded a 17 percent salary increase, while management argued that the NLA's financial position only permitted a 12 percent increment. Workers were also concerned about a reduction in their take-home pay due to adjustments in the application of statutory income taxes.
The dispute was referred to the National Labour Commission for arbitration before fresh negotiations were initiated by the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. The agreement commits both parties to respect the terms and resolve any future disagreements through consultation and statutory dispute-resolution mechanisms.
The deal is expected to alleviate concerns over staff welfare and working conditions at the Authority, ensuring the timely calculation and payment of all arrears arising from the salary increment and utility allowance adjustment. Future salary negotiations will need to consider the NLA's financial position, with the settlement focusing specifically on salary and utility allowance adjustments for 2026.
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