Progress for Some, Regression for Others? : The Management-Educator Divide in MCAST’s Controversial Agreement
The newly proposed abbreviated MCAST collective agreement (2022–2027) introduces several concerning changes compared to the
Union of Professional Educators
Our Mission
Since our inception, the Union of Professional Educators (UPE) has been dedicated to fostering a supportive and consultative environment for professional educators. Through our years of service, we have established a robust framework that offers tailored legal advice and consultancy services, reflecting our commitment to meet the unique needs of our members.
Our mission is to empower educators by actively listening to their concerns and advocating for their rights. We remain steadfast in our values of integrity, empathy, and trustworthiness, which serve as the bedrock of our union. Our focus is not only on serving the common good but also on uplifting the professional standards of education in our country.
We are proud of the milestones we have achieved together with our members, including obtaining majority of Learning Support Educators, winning several legal battles against the State, and assisting hundreds of members in obtaining justice. These accomplishments demonstrate our unwavering commitment to their professional growth and well-being. Our proactive approach ensures that we are always available to guide and support those in need, regardless of the issue, whether significant or seemingly trivial.
We invite you to join a union that genuinely cares for its members and is dedicated to standing by you every step of the way. Together, we can continue to create a future where educators feel valued, empowered, and supported in their noble profession.
Empowering Educators: A Note from the Executive Head
Dear Current and Prospective Members,
I hope this message finds you well. As the Executive Head of the Union of Professional Educators (UPE), I wish to take this opportunity to reflect on our journey together and share our vision for the future as we continue to support our invaluable members.
Since 2018, I have had the privilege of leading this remarkable union, following my commitment as an active trade unionist that began in 2015. My experiences, both academic and practical, have shaped my understanding of the unique challenges we face as educators. Graduating from the University of Malta and furthering my studies at the International Labour Organisation in Turin have equipped me with the knowledge necessary to advocate effectively for our members.
I am proud to say that under our collective efforts, we have made significant strides, including securing the majority of Learning Support Educators, winning several legal battles against the State, and assisting hundreds of our members in obtaining justice. These achievements are a testament to our unwavering commitment to your professional growth and well-being.
My prior roles as Chairman of ForUM Youths, Deputy Secretary General and Working Youths Officer for the National Youth Council (KNZ), and Vice President of ETUC Youth have allowed me to advocate for youth matters at various levels. The perspective I gained while representing Malta in the Mediterranean European Young Trade Union Network (MEYTUN) has further enriched my understanding of the needs and aspirations of young educators across Europe.
At UPE, we believe in fostering a community that is not only supportive but also proactive in addressing the concerns of all our members. Whether the challenges you face are significant or seemingly trivial, I want to assure you that we are here for you. Our doors are always open, and we are committed to offering guidance and support whenever needed.
As we look to the future, I invite you to join us in this mission—a mission driven by our values of integrity, empathy, and transparency. Together, we can continue to build a powerful union that advocates for the rights and needs of educators, ensuring that we all thrive in our professions.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Let us move forward together, united in our commitment to excellence in education.
Warm regards,
Graham Sansone
Executive Head – Union of Professional Educators
GIORGIO DEBONO – Executive Director &. Financial Officer
George is a highly qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Commerce in Management, Accounts, and Economics, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Business Studies), a Diploma in Business Administration from Henley Management College in the UK, and an MBA from the University of Reading in the UK. He is a member of the Henley Alumni Association in Malta and the Institute of Management.
Since joining the teaching profession in 1985, George has taught at various educational levels, including primary, secondary, and technical schools. Currently, he teaches Maltese at ALP in Paola. Alongside his teaching career, he has been actively involved in managing consultancy services for a local entrepreneur, focusing on Human Resources Development, Marketing Strategy, and Financial Management.
George is a firm believer in the importance of unions upholding the interests of their members and strengthening the bond among employees in today’s landscape. His primary aim is to promote the well-being of employees in the workplace to safeguard their rights and interests.
RUTH MIFSUD – Executive Officer (Responsible for LSE’s)
Ruth is a dedicated learning support educator with over 22 years of experience in the education sector. She has a passion for working with young students of diverse abilities and wouldn’t change her profession for anything.
Throughout her career, Ruth has navigated numerous challenges, largely thanks to the support of the Union of Professional Educators . The Union’s guidance has been instrumental in her journey, and Ruth is proud to serve as an executive member of the union, representing all learning support educators.
She is eager to contribute positively to the union and advocate for her colleagues, ensuring that they continue to provide exceptional support and education to their students.
CÉLINE ZAMMIT – Executive Youth Officer
Céline is a dedicated Learning Support Educator with five years of experience, a journey that has brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Passionate about her work, she takes pride in supporting both students and colleagues in meaningful ways. By joining the Union of Professional Educators executive committee, Céline aims to contribute to shaping a stronger, more supportive future for educators, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.
MARY GRACE VELLA – Executive Officer (Responsible for Peripatetic Teachers)
Mary Grace is an experienced and dedicated Teacher with thirty-five years in the teaching profession, specializing in various grades at the primary level. For the past nine years, she has served as a Nurture teacher, focusing on supporting students with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. This role brings her immense satisfaction, as she is able to assist students who are struggling and facing difficulties in their lives.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mary Grace has been actively involved in the Union of Professional Educators, initially serving as a delegate and now as an executive member. She addresses workplace concerns by first attempting to resolve issues through management, and if necessary, escalating them to the union. As a Union executive, she is committed to finding common ground between management and employees to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
