The ongoing delay in finalizing the collective agreement for MCAST lecturers has left many questioning the reasons behind this protracted process. While the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) and the government engage in “intensive discussions,” the Union of Professional Educators (UPE) cannot question the motives behind the apparent impasse.

As a union committed to protecting the integrity and fairness of professional negotiations, we find it puzzling that nearly three years have passed without a positive resolution for MCAST lecturers. The suggestion that these delays are solely due to ongoing negotiations does not seem to reflect the full picture. 

Recent statements from government officials indicate that several demands from the MUT have been deemed non-negotiable. Permanent Secretary Joyce Cassar has suggested that certain demands go against MCAST’s core mission and the well-being of students, intensifying the already complex negotiations. 

“Are earlier negotiating positions now fettering the government’s approach, creating a challenging environment for balanced negotiations?“

This raises pertinent questions: Are earlier negotiating positions now fettering the government’s approach, creating a challenging environment for balanced negotiations? It seems there are signs that prior commitments might be influencing the government’s ability to negotiate effectively, creating potential barriers to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. The UPE asks whether MCAST educators and students are being held at ransom due to expected compromises and concessions? 

The lack of transparency in these negotiations is concerning, especially given the significant impact on hard working educators who are caught in the middle of this stalemate. 

“It seems there are signs that prior commitments might be influencing the government’s ability to negotiate effectively, creating potential barriers to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. The UPE asks whether MCAST educators and students are being held at ransom due to expected compromises and concessions?”

The UPE has long advocated for transparency, something that seems to be lacking from both the Government and the MUT. Coupled to these the UPE now also queries whether negotiations are being carried in good faith and whether third parties are also being put into an already troubled equation.