Upon the start of the scholastic year, the Malta Union of Teachers on Tuesday presentedmore proposals to continue to improve the education sector and the conditions of work of educators as a continuation of the work carried out in collective and sectoral agreements.

The proposals are being presented as part of the consultation process on the budget and include addressing the discrepancy of tax rates, the right to disconnect, measures to address rising school populations, and the employment of retiring employees, amongst others.

The MUT's proposals as are follows:

Taxation rate discrepancy

The discrepancy in the taxation rate for part-time work is discouraging educators from providing additional services to the same employer. It is ironic that an educator who is employed with the state is taxed at a higher rate when providing services to MATSEC, UM, MCAST, ITS, or IFE when compared to an educator employed with church or independent schools. The MUT is requesting that this provision is revised.

Part-time work during retirement

Despite the official retirement age, employees may choose to retire before the age of 65, provided they satisfy the National Insurance contributions. MUT proposes that those who choose to retire before the official retirement age are allowed to continue part time work (limit number of hours) without missing out on any pension. This would contribute to the workforce especially in sectors where it is difficult to find the required resources - education amongst others. One has to consider the fact that at that age, health issues might arise which make it difficult to commit to full time employment.

Insurance

The MUT proposes an insurance cover to be provided to the public service employees as is the case with many public and private entities. A standard cover could be provided with the option of an upgrade by the employee.

Training

Adequate in-service training during working hours should be provided in upgrading, reskilling and transferability of skills to encourage employees to be more updated in their work practices, considering also new developments in AI and its impact on the workforce.

Work environment

There are still places of work that do not satisfy today's basic requirements at the place of work. This includes installation of air-conditioning systems and proper maintenance. Investment is required to ensure proper workplaces and upgrades.

Upholding the Maltese language and culture

The MUT proposes mandatory measures on a national level to uphold and safeguard the Maltese language. Unless there are active measures by the government, the Maltese language will be lost in a few decades. Maltese should be the primary means of communication in all public institutions. All activities must be held in Maltese with the use of English or other languages if required. All signage in all public places must also be in Maltese. Furthermore all employees should be provided with mandatory cultural and linguistic integration opportunities which includes the learning of Maltese.

Population growth

A study is to be commissioned to evaluate the effect of the presence and extent of foreign students in our schools....effect on language use and development, cultural and educational differences, school population pressures and dynamics, pressures on educators due to multiple presenting issues, parent involvement and interaction with educators in schools, financial realities and effect on school activities, different realities found in the different sectors as a result of foreign students. This should lead to measures to address the situation.

New schools

New schools or educational institutions should not be built Outside Development Zones. The education sector needs to lead by example in safeguarding the limited undeveloped or rural land available in our islands. The government planning policies of new schools and educational institutions need to uphold these principles.

Right to disconnect

The Maltese Government should be a pioneer in enacting policies and/or legislations to safeguard the work-life balance of all employees, without waiting for the EU to legislate it. In the absence, the negative effect on the wellbeing of employees is evident. An enforcement framework is also necessary to reach the requested implementation.