The shift for state schools to online lessons depends on the members of the Malta Union of Teachers, Education Minister Justyne Caruana claimed on Friday, as the teachers’ strike entered its second day.

The strike was called by the MUT and then the UPE after the government refused to move the first school days of the second semester online, despite a spike in Covid-19 cases.

Questioned by journalists on Friday, Caruana did not elaborate on what systems the government has in place for remote learning in state schools, instead saying that online teaching in secondary schools depends on discussions with the MUT, which is now “revising its position”.

"Much depends on MUT members," she said. "The issue with secondary schools was being discussed with MUT, so it's not from our end," the minister said.

Talks between the MUT and Prime Minister on Wednesday evening broke down, with the MUT claiming that they had been told that if their members reported for work online, they would not be paid.

Talks continued on Thursday amidst the first day of strike action – which both the MUT and UPE said had been successful – but remained inconclusive.

In a statement this morning, the MUT said that in yesterday's meeting with the government, it was confirmed that a communication was sent by a high-ranking health authority official regarding its position on the opening of schools exists.

State schools have technically opened to welcome students physically, even if the teachers’ industrial action has continued.

Church schools meanwhile have opened through online lessons at least till the weekend, with a decision on next week set to be taken by Sunday.