The Malta Union of Teachers has registered an industrial dispute with both the Education and Health departments, saying that legal notices on food consumption in schools go against the spirit of the collective agreement teachers have.
Teachers have been made responsible on matters that should not be their competence, the MUT is arguing, including what type of food is consumed in schools.
A few weeks ago, teachers were notified that junk food was no longer permitted in schools and that items such as cheesecakes were no longer accepted for school Christmas parties.
These measures were introduced without any consultation with the union. The MUT said the measures were introduced in a repressive way, rather than through educating students what is good for their health. It is common knowledge that what is prohibited usually becomes more attractive, and so these measures could backfire, the union said.
The MUT issued a set of directives, saying that teachers were fed up with impositions and do not accept to be trampled upon.
Government statement
The Health and Education Authorities have been on the forefront with initiatives to support children’s health and to encourage a healthy school environment. With the whole of school approach to healthy lifestyles launched in 2015, various initiatives are being implemented to support children and their families to live a healthy lifestyle.
One of the measures that has been ongoing over the past two years, was the type of food sold from tuck shops which had to be healthy. In August of this year, a legal notice was issued stating that food provided by the school is required to follow established criteria for healthy foods. This is based on the principle of procurement of healthy foods which is being promoted across the EU and highly commended by the World Health Organisation.
Food provided by parents is not included in this legislative measure although parents are always encouraged to provide a healthy lunch. To support this, there is an ongoing lunchbox campaign.
Meetings were held with principals, heads of schools and tuck shop providers to explain the legislation. At no stage teachers were expected to check on any food supplied. To be in line with the legislation, suggestions were provided on what type of foods can be procured.
The legislation further helps the implementation of a programme that promotes healthy eating to ensure that all children have access to such programmes.
Education and Health Authorities encourage all stakeholders to support initiatives that promote the health of children. This is also in line with the current initiative of providing lunch to children which will be further extended in the coming years to all children.