Speaking at the union’s biennial general conference, Mr Bencini expressed his disappointment that the union – which represents more than 6,000 teachers and is the third largest union – was not able to participate in the MCESD.

He added that the MCESD is a very important body where social partners are able to give their opinions and have a say in the country’s important decisions.

He explained that the MUT is a member of the Confederation of Malta’s Trade Unions, which is represented on the MCESD. However, he said, one of the two main unions (and here he was referring to the Union Haddiema Maghqudin even though he did not mention it by name) is also a member of the CMTU but its representatives still participate at the council’s meetings.

Mr Bencini said that even though the MUT is represented through the CMTU, it is still worrying that the union has no say in the tough decisions taken by the government on relatively hot issues. He said the union wrote to the authorities asking them to look into the matter in March this year.

Mr Bencini said that this was one of the issues he discussed with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi during a meeting the union had with him on Wednesday. He said Dr Gonzi’s reply was: “What do you expect me to do? Put up a table as long as all the Floriana Granaries and place everyone there to discuss the issues?” Mr Bencini continued that the MUT “expected a positive reply” on the matter.

On the establishment of a social pact, Mr Bencini said the union agreed with this idea but added that the social pact could not be achieved without proper discussions in which the government strips itself of its powerful role and contributes to the debate. This is what happens in other countries, such as Holland, Italy and Ireland.

Mr Bencini also spoke about something which the union will be considering as a priority in the coming days: a promise to divide schools into regional clusters. This issue was, in fact, the subject of a resolution approved unanimously by the MUT members at the conference.

This resolution echoes Education Minister Louis Galea’s declaration that by September 2005 the schools will be divided into clusters, making it easier for teachers and students alike. This resolution calls for a wide consultation process prior to adopting this new system, especially on the working conditions of present and future teachers.

He said that in principle, the union agreed with this idea, but added that it had many questions on the issue. He asked: Will we have a new foundation? Does this process mean that our schools will be privatised? Will the Education Division act as a regulator and that’s all?

Mr Bencini also spoke about the unemployment problem among qualified teachers since teaching has reached saturation point.

Also addressing the conference, Labour spokesman on education Carmelo Abela spoke about several problems affecting education in Malta and their results. He said

the National Minimum Curriculum was not introduced in its entirety, even though the time is up for it to be revised.

During yesterday’s conference, several teachers took the opportunity to discuss problems affecting them and their career, as well as those of their schools and the country. Various teachers took the stand to speak about their own experiences at school. A teacher from Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary in Naxxar said his school was in a bad state with students being taught in the chapel and the hall.

Education Minister Louis Galea, who was invited to address the conference, did not turn up, sending his permanent secretary, Charles Mizzi, instead.