The government today said it will be calling for a clear explanation about the allegations that female teachers are being asked during interviews whether they are planning to have children.

Malta Union of Teachers President Kevin Bonello said the MUT receives various complaints about these illegal practices.

In a letter addressed to the Public Service Commission (PSC), Mr Bonello said the methodologies being used during these interview “smack of amateurism.”

“Considering that these interviewing boards are treating with professionals in the Education field, the way the interviewing boards are being set up and the way some interviews have allegedly been conducted show a high degree of disrespect towards the various teaching professions.

To start with, the Union has received various allegations that in some interviews female applicants were asked personal questions which are arguably illegal in this day and age. Questions like, “How do you expect to carry out this role properly when you have two children to look after?” or like “Do you intend to have children in the coming months soon after an eventual appointment?,” Mr Bonello wrote in the letter.

“Moreover various members have reported that in many cases they were interrupted while giving answers, that they had to hurry up, that they had only a few seconds to answer a question. One particular member even reported that while answering the questions put forward one interviewer allegedly replied to his mobile phone and held a conversation.”

“In other cases members were contradicted and belittled while giving their answers to the questions, with some members being shouted at and being told they were wrong during the interview itself,” Mr Bonello said.

Mr Bonello asked the Education Ministry and PSC to intervene in order to halt such practices.