In protest event, MCAST students demand immediate resolution to educators' dispute
Students attending MCAST on Friday held a protest at the campus in Paola, during which they demanded an immediate resolution to the ongoing dispute between government and educators on a new collective agreement.The government and the Malta Union of T
Students attending MCAST on Friday held a protest at the campus in Paola, during which they demanded an immediate resolution to the ongoing dispute between government and educators on a new collective agreement.
The government and the Malta Union of Teachers are locked in an ongoing industrial dispute which, at the start of the academic year earlier this month, led the union to issue directives to its members.
Addressing participants, student Emma Brownrigg Fenech said that students refuse to be silent once again, as they have been caught in the middle of a dispute which has left them in limbo.
"This is about our future, and we are fed up. We understand our lecturers, they deserve fair wages and better conditions. Government has failed us, and we cannot continue suffering in silence," she said.
"We will not allow this to continue for yet another academic year, and we are just as the start of it," Brownrigg Fenech said.
She said that together they stand united and determined to fight for a fair, and transparent education system.
"No more empty promises, no more playing with our future. We demand an immediate solution to the dispute," she said.
Brownrigg Fenech said students' anger and frustration must be heard, and they will not stop until they get the education they deserve.
"Our education is being stolen from us, piece by piece. Communication with our educators has been cut off, when we need it the most. Lecturers' hands are being tied with their directives," she said.
She pointed out that there is absence by lecturers who are following the unions' directives.
"How are we supposed to succeed when we are kept in the dark? We've had enough. This is a declaration, we will not stand by and watch our academic future crumble," Brownrigg Fenech said.
"Government cannot continue like this. Let us continue fighting for the education we deserve," she said.
Another student, Shana Muscat, who took the opportunity to voice out her thoughts said that lectures are being cancelled, and this is not being communicated to students in time, leading to yet "another disappointment."
"We stand in solidarity with lecturers, we are not blaming them for these issues, it is not their fault," she said.
Muscat questioned how much pressure needs to be made till students are listened to, as their education is a human right, paid for through taxes of the country's population.
"Enough is enough," Muscat said, reiterating that students stand with lecturers, and appreciate their hard work, dedication and resilience.
Another student spoke about his last year in his software developing course, and said that the situation is dire, and they have received no news on their theses and assignments, saying that their degrees will be devalued.
He demanded a resolution and for government to "wake up" in light of the situation.
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