The Union of Professional Educators has been receiving numerous complaints regarding Supply Teachers who are currently awaiting their final results from the Institute for Education (IFE).

It has come to light that on 31st May 2023, the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) issued various directives instructing lecturers to abstain from publishing or providing information on assessment marks (both for modules and dissertations), as well as refraining from giving feedback on assessments. They were also advised to disregard any communication received from the Ministry of Education, government entities, and departments regarding requests for information.

As a result of the MUT’s actions, several Supply Teachers have been left unable to graduate as regular teachers and are also facing financial restrictions that hinder their progress. Ultimately, this may lead to the inability to be assigned deployment due to their seniority.

The UPE questions whether the MUT truly supports educators. Is it fair that a union punishes diligent and dedicated supply teachers who have put in their utmost effort to progress into regular teachers? Should supply teachers in their final year at IFE be subjected to financial stagnation due to the MUT’s actions?

In light of these circumstances, the UPE urges immediate measures to rectify the situation and release the final results of all IFE students to uphold social justice. The responsibility now lies with the Minister to directly intervene in the matter without any delay.

Disagreements during negotiations should not negatively impact diligent educators who have sacrificed countless hours away from their families.