The Nationalist Party once again expressed serious concern over the unacceptable situation at MCAST. Educators and students at this College have been left in limbo for three whole years, and the PN expects action from the Government sooner rather than later.
The PN reiterated that it is troubling how, after almost three years of negotiations, the demands of educators and employees at MCAST are still not being given sufficient consideration, with the Collective Agreement remaining far from concluded.
This is seriously compromising the educational experience of young people at MCAST, who are not receiving what is rightfully theirs from MCAST, and it is also continuing to foster significant frustration among lecturers, the PN said.
The MUT recently revealed that the Government unilaterally submitted the incomplete Collective Agreement to the Industrial Tribunal. Contrary to previous public statements, this confirms the Government's lack of trust and transparency.
The Government's action, taken without proper communication and during a period of protest, contradicts the assurances given to both educators and the public.
Such underhand tactics continue to escalate the issue of the Collective Agreement and are unacceptable as they undermine the essential process of social dialogue, the statement added.
The government's response, as well as its decision to withdraw the proceedings from the Industrial Tribunal, although a necessary step, is not enough. The Partit Nazzjonalista continues to assert that responsibility lies with the Office of the Prime Minister and the responsible Ministries to demonstrate leadership and commitment to reach a fair and comprehensive agreement. MCAST cannot continue to suffer from this uncertainty caused by the Government.
The government is creating a sense of tension, frustration, and uncertainty among workers, and it is unacceptable for it to expect praise for reversing a decision on an issue that should have been addressed from the outset, the PN said.
Moreover, it is completely disappointing that this year's Budget makes no reference to MCAST, which has a crucial role in the country's education system from both an academic and vocational perspective.
Equally disappointing is the fact that MCAST continues to lack the expected and necessary financial allocations to operate in the country's best interest.
The Partit Nazzjonalista calls on the Government to ensure that the new draft of the MCAST Collective Agreement recognises and includes what has been negotiated to date and respects the commitments made during negotiations over the past three years. Social dialogue must be more than a process; it should be an active commitment that provides real solutions to bring this issue to an end in the coming weeks.