An application by the Malta Union of Teachers over the representation of child carers has been thrown out of court, due to the action being premature and preceding the verification process.

The Malta Union of Teachers had filed for a warrant of prohibitory injunction to stop discussions between the UHM and the Foundation for Educational Services over a new collective agreement for child carers.

Mr Justice Joseph Zammit McKeon stressed that other remedies existed for the Malta Union of Teachers.

The case was also filed against the UHM as well as the Education Ministry.

The MUT claimed that discussions on the new collective agreement had carried on despite request for recognition.

The union insisted it represented the majority of child carers however the UHM argued that the carers were members of the UHM. Lists of union members were presented by both.

It is not the court’s role to verify which union enjoyed a majority, the judge said, adding that a verification exercise exists that could be carried out.

Aside from throwing out the case, the Court said that it saw nothing illegitimate in discussions regarding the new agreement continuing until a transparent verification process is held.

Lawyer Ian Spiteri Bailey represented the UHM while lawyers Michael and Rebekah Tanti-Dougall represented the MUT.