A group of over 1,000 students and other people using the online platform Facebook have expressed their disappointment and frustration at the current situation at the university, where academic staff has been ordered by the Malta Union of Teachers and the University of Malta Academic Staff Association not to submit exam results after correcting the papers. The dispute is over a collective agreement.
"We do not consider students to be mere clients of the University, but have always forwarded the vision of academic and non-academic staff, as well as students, as being equal stakeholders’ in the educational process – a vision endorsed and promoted by the Students’ Charter, and upheld in educational communities across the globe," the group said.
They said they were concerned that any delay in the release of results may have far reaching consequences, which might include the disruption of preparation for September re-sit sessions and loss of places for employment , mobility programmes or further studies.
"The fact that the two unions issued a directive which directly undermines student rights, despite their commitments 'to give foremost consideration to pupils’ (and students’) wellbeing', without any prior notice or consultation with students or student representatives has left us with no choice but to issue our own demands to the MUT and the UMASA stop their trade dispute, which is unfairly targeting students, and to the Rector of the University, the Minister of Education and the Government to open negotiations as soon as possible, but to demand a non-revocable promise for the timely release of examination results in return of such start."
The members of the group said that supported the right of academic staff to proper remuneration and decent working conditions, and it was unfortunate that the actions of their representatives have forced them to unite in defence of the students' rights, rather than in support of theirs.
The facebook group and its membership can be seen online after registration at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15407201838&ref=mf