The government and the Malta Union of Teachers have finally signed a new collective agreement for staff at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST).

The agreement will see "an unprecedented investment of over €45 million" the government said, and features "significant salary increases and improved working conditions."

This strategic initiative not only recognises the vital role of MCAST's workforce but also ensures that students continue to receive an enhanced educational experience, the government said.

The last collective agreement at the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) had expired around three years ago. The union had issued directives at the campus, and last year protests by lecturers and students were held. Eventually, negotiations developed and agreement was found earlier this year. 

Prior to the signing of the new collective agreement, Prime Minister Robert Abela described this agreement as a significant and strategic investment in Malta's education sector. He said that in line with government commitments, the agreement delivers substantial improvements for MCAST educators including accelerated career progression, robust salary increases, and the introduction of new allowances.

"All together the collective agreement will enable MCAST to attract top talent across specialised sectors. Beyond improved working conditions, the agreement places strong emphasis on enhancing classroom quality and safeguarding student welfare, with the aim of enriching the overall educational experience. All together these improvements will empower students with clearer pathways and real opportunities to succeed in life," a statement by the government read.

The Prime Minister said that "we live in a society full of opportunities including vocational ones and we must continue responding to students' aspirations." He added that educators are the driving force of the education sector and a key pillar in vocational training. He also confirmed the government's continued investment in the sector, through the reopening of the MCAST crafts school in the next vocational year. 

Highlighting the government's broader vision, Prime Minister Abela said that as a government that believes in social justice, it must necessarily prioritise education. Referring to the Vision Malta 2050, he spoke of the government's commitment to priorities education that translates into the best opportunities and careers for Maltese and Gozitan youth, particularly in sectors that drive economic value. Prime Minister Abela also noted that MCAST students are among those youths, who for the first or second year are given an annual grant of €500 for a maximum period of three years, with a total grant of €1,500 for continuing their education beyond the compulsory age.

Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima added that this agreement addresses multiple aspects of the various professions it covers from substantial financial improvements to day-to-day working conditions. "Our education system must remain proactive and responsive to today's realities. Throughout negotiations, our goal was to propose sustainable measures that reflect the duties of each profession, while keeping students at the centre," Minister Clifton Grima said.

Also addressing the occasion, Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) President Marco Bonnici highlighted the long-term vision behind the agreement. "The seeds we planted in this agreement are now bearing fruit with this latest development, which continues to strengthen parity among Malta's higher education institutions," Marco Bonnici said. He noted that for the first time, MCAST will introduce the title of Professor for eligible academic grades covered by this agreement.

The MUT said that the agreement covers eight grades, four of which are new to this agreement following MUT's sole recognition of the respective grades. "The grades are Lecturers, Inclusion Educators, Student Support Services, Technicians, Directors, Deputy Directors, Senior Research Officers and Mentors. The agreement is backdate."

MCAST Principal Stephen Vella described the new collective agreement as a meaningful recognition of the "vital role played by the College's educators and staff dedicated professionals who work tirelessly in pursuit of excellence and who are shaping the leaders of tomorrow. This investment speaks volumes not just for our workforce, but for every student who walks through our doors," Stephen Vella said. "It supports those who aspire to grow as individuals and professionals, who aim to compete not only locally but globally, and who are looking for more than just a certificate they are seeking an experience that transforms their lives," he continued. He also said that this agreement translates into a robust and dynamic vocational education sector, for the benefit of every student.

Delays show government's lack of respect, ADPD says

ADPD, in a statement, said that the government's delays in reaching an agreement shows a lack of respect.

While welcoming the agreement, the ADPD said that it comes three years late.

"Despite the government trying to take merit for this agreement, the exaggerated delays come from a lack of will by the government and public service to seriously dialogue continuously with the union. It comes from the lack of respect the government has for public sector workers and for unions and students," ADPD said.