The Union of Professional Educators would like to clarify a particular directive following reports from various schools that some Heads of Schools are incorrectly interpreting the wording of certain directives.

These Heads of Schools are attempting to reinvent the wheel and thus are trying to bypass specific UPE directives.

For the sake of clarity, please find the following directive issued on 31st January 2024:

LSE members of the UPE are directed not to replace sick LSEs or LSE’s on Special Leave as well as those on maternity leave or any other form of leave. (With the exception of LSE’s who have been deployed in year 11 and whose students would have left school). 

Which was issued after the UPE registered a trade dispute declared on the 30th of January 2024. 

This dispute is still in effect as the Ministry has failed to publicly apologise for its wrongdoing, as declared by the Ombudsman himself on the 4th of October 2024. 

The directive is now updated and will read as follows: 

LSE members of the UPE are directed not to replace sick LSEs or LSE’s on Special Leave as well as those on maternity leave or any other form of leave. (With the exception of LSE’s who have been deployed in year 11 and whose students would have left school). The word ‘replace’ will also be applicable to cases in which LSE’s are requested to ‘support’ students who on the day do not have the required support. 

To join the Union of Professional Educators today for support and guidance, visit www.upe.mt. For further assistance, contact us on +356 2122 1252 or 9994 6582.

Members who receive any undue pressure not to adhere with the directives are requested to contact the UPE.