Updated January 23 with MCAST response

The Union of Professional Educators has registered a trade dispute with the authorities over MCAST's "lack of cooperation over simple matters".

According to the UPE, this lack of cooperation indirectly affected its members, something that was "unacceptable". The UPE said in a statement it was therefore taking necessary steps to safeguard members' rights and was currently deliberating on further action to be taken in the coming days.

"The union is actively engaging in discussions and is prepared to take further action if necessary to ensure that its members are treated fairly and with respect."

But in a reply, MCAST noted that it has no ongoing negotiations with the UPE as the union is not the one that enjoys representative recognition at the college. 

The UPE's statement comes days after MCAST students walked out of their lectures, protesting industrial action by another union that has left them without exam results for two months.

The Malta Union of Teachers has an ongoing trade dispute with MCAST over a delayed collective agreement. 

In a statement responding to the UPE dispute, MCAST made it clear it does not recognise the union. 

"Negotiations on the current collective agreement are being held in line with the longstanding good practice in negotiations with the union that enjoys sole representative recognition.

Consequently, there are no ongoing negotiations with UPE on this agreement," the college said.