The Education Ministry has said that the industrial action ordered by the Malta Union of Teachers earlier today is ‘unjustified’ as well as unfair for students and their families, who may be affected by the industrial action while discussions continue.

The MUT today called a single-day strike for Monday 27 November, as well as further industrial action which will come into effect as from Monday 13 November, which will affect both State and Church Schools.

This after the union said that the discussion for a substantial financial package for educators has “failed.”

In reply, the Ministry said that government is committed to continuing negotiations for this collective agreement in good faith, to the extent that a conciliation meeting is scheduled for next Monday – when the directives are meant to come into effect.

It also said that government has already presented substantial and sustainable proposals on the negotiation table, that aim to improve the conditions of educators in the country.

“The Ministry considers the actions announced at this stage by the MUT as actions that are not justified,” it said.

The Ministry expressed its appreciation for the work of all educators, and in this spirit, government is seeking to improve their conditions in the discussions of the collective agreement.