Government has said that the financial package offered to teachers is higher than what has been previously mentioned in the media, despite that negotiations by government are not final.

The Malta Union of Teachers had on Wednesday declared a trade dispute after negotiations with government over a sectoral agreement fell apart at financial package discussion stage, and the union will issue around 50 directives culminating in a strike on 8 November. The union said that they requested an over 20% rise in their financial package, while less than 5% over five years was offered by government.

"To give an example, allowances for teachers in all grades will at least triple, and this during a stage of negotiations which are not final. Government wants to accelerate the progression of all teaching grades, and they will have new opportunities to progress in their career, that will result in continued strengthening of their wages as well."