MUT declares dispute with MCAST
The Malta Union of Teachers yesterday declared a trade dispute with MCAST following “a lack of adherence to agreed deadlines in which the college had to provide counter proposal for the financials of the collective agreement being negotiated.”
The union said it submitted its financial proposals to MCAST several weeks ago and observed all time-frames of the agreement, including attendance to a meeting earlier today scheduled in agreement between both sides for the explicit purpose of receiving these financials.
“In correspondence with the MCAST management, the MUT noted that it is clear that whilst the Union is taking agreements seriously, with all the necessary commitment towards its members, MCAST is instead dragging its feet and finding excuses to refrain from adhering to commitments to the detriment of educators and ultimately students,” MUT said.
The union said it will be issuing industrial actions to members today.
Reacting, MCAST reaffirmed that it “is strongly committed to reach a new collective agreement with MUT which gives a fair, just and improved package for its academic staff.”
MCAST said it has committed itself to conclude the text of this new agreement, already agreeing on a number of proposals which give improved working conditions to academic staff, while simultaneously agreeing on a new financial package.
“Discussions are currently underway with the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Ministry of Finance to present a proposal for such a financial package as part of the overall discussions. MCAST strongly feels that agreement on such an improved financial package must be achieved within the context of an agreement on the complete collective agreement package. This is normal industrial relations practice for collective agreement discussions.”
The college said it was disappointed that MUT had “chosen to resort to industrial action when discussions are still underway and are at a delicate stage while progress for improved conditions for lecturers has already been achieved.”
It invited MUT to return to the discussions and continue the positive dialogue which has already started achieving improved working conditions for MCAST staff.