Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has said that the Malta Union of Teachers were consulted a number of times prior to the announcement of the proposed Education Act, in comments given to the press.

“Let me refrain from giving more details, even though more exist, because I believe that if [the government and MUT] meeting in the coming hours we will be able to put everyone’s minds at ease,” Muscat said.

In a statement on Wednesday, the MUT said that the proposed act would ‘undermine’ the teaching profession and aside from calling the strike, they instructed educators to wear black on Friday – which happens to be World Teachers’ Day – in mourning for the profession.

The MUT’s main point of contention regarding the bill is on a proposal to remove “permanent” teaching warrants and replace them with renewable ones, which will be subject to renewal on the basis of continuous professional development and a proficiency t

Muscat insisted that it was not to intention to remove warrants or stipulate that teachers must apply for warrants each year, adding that “nothing has changed” from the laws enacted in 2016.

Muscat said that he believes the current issues stem from a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the legal notice.

“The interpretation of the words appears to be MUT’s issue, even though it was never expressed in the meeting,” he said adding that the government was willing to listen and see what can be arranged.

“We want to make sure everything is clear so that parents and children do not suffer this coming Monday,” he concluded.