UPE Advocates for Expanding Carers’ Leave in Church Schools
The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) acknowledges the recent announcement by the Government regarding the provision of three days of Paid Carers’ Leave, designed for government employees to support sick family members or individuals residing in the same household.
The UPE commends this initiative and urges that the implementation of this family-friendly measure take place as promptly as possible. However, the Union contends that three days of Paid Carers’ Leave is insufficient and does not adequately reflect the realities that educators encounter on a daily basis.
It is important to note that the Sectoral Agreement signed in July 2024 did not encompass such provisions, highlighting a disconnect between the Union negotiating the agreement and the actual needs of educators as a whole. Fortunately, the Public Service administration has recognised the pressing necessity for such a family-friendly measure.
Church School Employees
Furthermore, it is imperative that employees within Church Schools also benefit from this family-friendly measure, as stipulated in the AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HOLY SEE AND THE REPUBLIC OF MALTA ON CHURCH SCHOOLS.
Specifically, Article 6 establishes that the remuneration of both teaching and non-teaching staff in Church Schools, including social security contributions and prescribed bonuses, should be in line with what is offered in State Schools for equivalent roles and qualifications. Essentially, this means that educators in Church Schools ought to receive similar family-friendly benefits and compensation as their counterparts in State Schools.
The Union is eagerly awaiting compliance from Church School authorities with this regulation at the earliest opportunity.
This measure is set to take effect from 1st January 2025.