Six months after the new MCAST collective agreement was signed, educators are still waiting to receive what is rightfully theirs, the Nationalist Party has said.

"Despite the Government's promise that by the end of October it would settle all payments due for the past three years, today - months later - a number of payments have still not been issued," the party said in a statement.

"This is not simply a case of poor administration; it is yet another sign of the Government's lack of respect towards an educational community that provides an essential service to the country. MCAST educators do not deserve to be treated this way; they deserve seriousness, certainty, and timely payment. What is happening today is the direct result of the long and unnecessary delays before the collective agreement was signed - delays which created pressure and uncertainty for hundreds of professionals."

The PN said it expects the Government to shoulder its responsibility, provide a clear explanation for this prolonged delay, and - above all - ensure that every cent owed is paid without further postponement.

"The Government must rebuild the respect it should be showing towards educators and students, because in a country that genuinely wants to progress, education cannot remain at the bottom of the priority list. The PN will continue standing firmly with the educational community and will keep working to ensure that education in our country is built on genuine respect for both students and educators."

The PN statement was signed by Justin Schembri, Shadow Minister for Education and Ivan Castillo, Shadow Minister for Labour, Maritime Affairs and Aviation