The dispute between the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) and the University of Malta over the conclusion of the collective agreement for Junior College lecturers is still ongoing, the President of the union, Marco Bonnici, told The Malta Independent

Following the failure to conclude discussions over a new collective agreement, after the current one expired in December 2018, the MUT had called for a strike for Junior College lecturers which took place on 24 and 25 January. The union reported that “the absolute majority of lecturing grades followed the industrial action.”

The union had issued a number of directives to teachers, which it says will remain in place until agreement is reached. The directive order Junior College lecturers to refrain from: Answering all emails; Answering internal phone calls; Uploading or handing over assessment marks; Attending departmental meetings; Attending committee meetings; Organising CPD meetings; Attending meetings at tal-Qroqq and any other campus; Giving contact hours outside timetabled hours; Participating in official UM/JC events; Returning attendances.

The union expects both parties to continue discussions and that both parties will meet in the middle, however, it has reported a lack of willingness from the management of the university. The dispute is still ongoing, the MUT President said. The union will be meeting with affected members to discuss the way forward.

The University of Malta had, on the day the strike had been announced, said: "The MUT is giving the impression that the UM is being intransigent in its dealings when this is a far cry from the truth. Over the last few months, the University has been engaged in discussions with the MUT in a bid to successfully conclude the Collective Agreement. UM strongly believes that it has tabled an attractive financial proposal that is consistent with its pay structures and reflects relativity across the institution. This same principle was adhered to in all previous collective agreements that were successfully negotiated with the MUT for Junior College lecturers. "This time around, however, the MUT has repeatedly refused to consider the financial offer made by the University and has instead resorted to industrial action leading to lectures being suspended for students."

The MUT President was also asked about the recent issue where school classrooms suffered harsh cold temperatures as windows and doors are required to be kept open.

Bonnici replied that the union has been in contact with health authorities regarding the issue. “Regulations mandated that a classroom has to be well ventilated due to health protocols, and, upon discussions with the health authorities, we were informed that windows and doors do not necessarily need to be open, as long as the classroom is well ventilated,” Bonnici said on the matter