Agreement reached on belated Junior College deal for lecturers
The deal needs to be ratified by MUT members
Agreement has been reached between the government and the MUT on a belated collective agreement for lecturers at the Junior College, bringing an end to protracted talks and industrial action.
The deal was announced separately by Prime Minister Robert Abela, Education Minister Byron Camilleri and the Malta Union of Teachers. It is subject to ratification by the union's members.
Abela said in a statement that agreement had been reached on the principles of a deal which would yield higher pay and improved conditions of work. He thanked all those involved in the talks.
Camilleri said he was very satisfied with the development and efforts would continue to improve the working conditions of educators. There was no doubt, he said, that the ultimate beneficiaries would be the students.
The Malta Union of Teachers confirmed that a basis of an agreement for the collective agreement for lecturers had been reached and industrial action was being lifted.
It thanked the education minister, permanent secretary Matthew Vella and University Rector Alfred Vella.
In November, the union accused the government of delaying negotiations and not responding to a financial proposal for the collective agreement for lecturers. The last one expired at the end of 2023.
In April, the union ordered lecturers to refrain from participating in committee, board and departmental meetings. They have also been told not to submit attendance records and assessment results or marks.