Government says negotiations with MCAST staff will continue if industrial actions are lifted

The Education Ministry said that the disagreement between government and the MUT is the result of demands for changes in the presence of lecturers and other workers on campus

By: maltatoday.com

Dec 04 2024
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Government says negotiations

Government has requested the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) to withdraw industrial actions currently affecting MCAST students.

Educators’ industrial actions at MCAST came about following a deterioration of negotiations between the MUT and government earlier this year. The dispute stems from a collective agreement that has expired three years ago.

Since October 4, MUT's directives have led to widespread disruption across MCAST campuses. Faculty have restricted communication with both management and students to limited, prescribed hours while assignment grades and briefs for the next academic year remain unprocessed, leaving students unable to progress with their studies.

MCAST students have recently been feeling the effects of the industrial actions, as they protested against the ongoing educational crisis.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Education Ministry said that in order for negotiations to continue, the directives must be lifted.

“It is worth noting that several weeks ago, the government presented a comprehensive document for discussion that includes financial proposals. These financial proposals reflect substantial increases, for which no counter-proposals have been made to date.”

This, the ministry said, means that the disagreement with the union does not stem from a financial issue, but relate to demands for changes in the presence of lecturers and other workers on campus.

The ministry added that this is not the first time that a request has been made for industrial actions to cease.

“The administration remains willing to continue negotiations, provided these directives are suspended, and once again invites the MUT to immediately suspend such directives so that discussions can promptly resume.”