Academics Burdened with Additional Summer Workload
The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) has been approached by numerous academics from various institutes within MCAST, who are expressing their frustration and dismay at recent revelations concerning the union they once supported.
These academics have come to realise that they have been misled over the past years and months, leading to a negative public perception due to the insensitive directives issued by the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT).
Today, it has been announced that these directives have been withdrawn, and academics are now expected to assess and finalise assessment criteria and final marks. The UPE had previously warned that such directives would eventually be retracted due to their long-term unsustainability. The union also highlighted that academics would face the consequences of this retraction, which is why the UPE refrained from issuing similar directives to academics.
“…directives have been withdrawn, and academics are now expected to assess and finalise assessment criteria and final marks.”
The reason given for the withdrawal of the directives is that the MUT and the government have agreed on a final financial package. However, no details have been provided, leaving union delegates uncertain about what to communicate to their colleagues.
Sources close to the UPE have informed the union that MCAST academics seek parity with other academics in similar institutes. In the coming days, it will become clear whether this parity has been achieved.
In the meantime, the UPE has a strategic vision for MCAST academics, aiming for them to be remunerated and treated in the same manner as other professionals who teach at the same academic level.
UPDATE: In a recent update, academics have received communication via a circular. The circular outlines specific provisions for students in response to the exceptional circumstances, such as allowing automatic progression to the next academic year within the same program for students and providing an Administrative Pass for unassessed study units. However, it does not necessarily mean that all students will pass. Students still need to attempt pending assessments to convert their Administrative Pass into a final grade or repeat failed assessments to achieve a passing grade by the specified deadline.