Church School LSE’s shall receive the same benefits as LSEs with degrees in State schools.

After the Union of Professional Educators (UPE) exposed the recent blunder where the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) allegedly put forward conflicting interpretations of the collective agreement – leaving Church School LSEs unpaid – clarity has finally arrived.

In a hastily drafted article, the MUT merely stated the obvious: no major revelations, no negotiations, just a confirmation of the established position.

Parity between State and Church schools will be maintained. Consequently, Learning Support Educators (LSEs) with degrees in Church schools shall receive the same benefits as LSEs with degrees in State schools.

This clarification was essential and should never have been delayed.

Why?

This obligation stems directly from the Concordat between the Holy See and the Republic of Malta, signed on 28th November 1991 (Conventio Inter Apostolicam Sedem et Rem Publicam Melitensem de Scholis Catholicis). This treaty explicitly establishes that educators in Church schools are entitled to the same terms and conditions as those employed in State schools.

Article 9

“The State guarantees to the teachers of Church Schools the same facilities envisaged for those in State Schools: in-service training courses, scholarships, etc.”

This has long formed the basis for parity in treatment of staff across both sectors regarding a range of administrative measures. 

Effectively, this means all benefits available to State School Educators will be extended to Church School Educators.