MUT objects to MCAST decision to appoint ombudsman, college explains ‘need’
The Malta Union of Teachers has objected to the setting up of an ombudsman’s office by the Malta Colleague for Arts, Science and Technology, with the college explaining that the objective of this initiative is to ensure staff and students have a platform where they can address their grievances and complaints.
In a statement, MUT said that the decision raised questions, in particular as to whether it is in conformity with the law which regulates MCAST and that which regulates the National Ombudsman’s office.
The MUT said that MCAST ombudsman has the power to investigate, prosecute and judge, and asked whether the office is really independent considering that it is funded by the college.
The fact that the ombudsman’s office is not autonomous from MCAST means that no other employee can have confidence in it.
MCAST said the idea of an ombudsman’s office is an effort to continue improving the learning and working environment at MCAST.
Addressing complaints and grievances of learners and staff is a key priority for MCAST as the college aims to maintain the high quality of the college’s learning and working environment.
MCAST would have expected full support from the Malta Union of Teachers on the set-up of this office, the purpose of which, is to safeguard the rights of learners and also those of the college’s administrative and academic staff. MCAST and MUT are, after all, both committed to safeguarding the rights of staff to work in a respectful and dignified environment.
The MCAST College Ombudsman is committed to assist all full-time and part-time students, and academic and administrative staff, in resolving their concerns, complaints and grievances through open and fair dialogue. Whenever it is deemed necessary, the College Ombudsman will support complainants and the other party to work towards an informal resolution, where he actively engages all concerned in a truthful dialogue to reach an amicable solution.
The ‘College Ombudsman and Grievance Office’ also provides a structured formal grievance procedure where the College Ombudsman investigates a complaint involving all concerned parties, until a decision is reached on the issue.
At the end of this process, the College Ombudsman communicates his recommendations to the Principal or senior managers for their endorsement of these recommendations or otherwise.
The process is transparent and respects the principle of checks and balances, unlike the portrayal of judge, jury and executioner, as described in the MUT statement released on 1 August. The College Ombudsman takes no decisions nor implements recommendations.
Furthermore, in the spirit of transparency and respect, the Grievance Procedure for staff entitles them to appeal against the conclusions drawn by the College Ombudsman, which are then addressed by the MCAST Principal and CEO or the President or members of the Board of Governors as the case require.
During consultation sessions with MCAST staff members, the College Ombudsman is pursuing efforts to enhance the working environment at MCAST in a positive, helpful and engaging manner. This is done within the context of the MCASTMUT Collective Agreement signed on 27 July 2018, MCAST policies and procedures, as well as local legislation. At any point during cases referred to the College Ombudsman, staff are entitled to be accompanied by a person of their own choice.