The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) has declared a trade dispute with the government over a two-year delay in concluding the collective agreement for University of Malta Junior College staff.

MUT said that despite submitting a financial proposal months ago, the government has yet to respond, leaving lecturers without an updated agreement since the previous one expired in December 2023.

The union criticised the lack of progress, calling it "unacceptable" and evidence that lecturers' well-being and working conditions are not being prioritised. MUT will meet lecturers to discuss the situation before announcing industrial action.