TEACHERS’ SALARIES

The Education Ministry is seeking a conciliatory meeting with the Malta Union of Teachers after the latter ordered a one-day strike for 8 November.

The strike action is part of a series of directives issued by the union after talks on a new agreement regarding salaries and working conditions failed.

In a statement yesterday morning, the ministry said that its permanent secretary had approached the union for a conciliatory meeting.

Earlier this week the MUT said it would issue around 50 directives culminating in a strike on 8 November. The MUT is demanding a rise of over 20% in take home pay (which would include allowances) for all state and Church school educators, arguing that members of the profession are not being given a worthy financial package, and believe what is being offered falls short.

MUT President Marco Bonnici said that the government dragged its feet on wage negotiations, and that despite talk, despite the need to incentivise more youths to pick teaching as a profession and to encourage teachers to remain in the profession, government’s offer was less than 5% over five years.

In a second statement yesterday, the education ministry said the government was proposing improvements to teachers’ financial package and was open to discussions. It insisted that proposed increase was higher than 5%.

The ministry said it is proposing doubling the speed at which teachers climb from one scale to the next. It is also proposing more attractive career paths.

The government is also proposing tripling teachers’ allowances.

In a statement on Thursday, the Church Schools Association said it hoped that an agreement between the Malta Union of Teachers and the government is reached soon.

Reacting to a decision taken by the MUT for a oneday strike on 8 November, the CSA said the agreement should be reached soon so that the interests of the students are also safeguarded.

The CSA said it has committed itself to continuing its negotiations with the MUT in a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect.

It also appealed to the general public to promote a culture of appreciation and respect when referring to the teaching profession.