In a landmark ruling ahead of Workers’ Day, the Education Ombudsman’s Office has delivered a resounding victory for educators, affirming their right to free expression. The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) successfully challenged Directive DG DES 28/2024, which imposed restrictive media guidelines requiring prior approval for public commentary and mandated alignment with ministry policies.

Commissioner for Education Hon. Vincent A. De Gaetano deemed the directive and related clauses in Directive 5 of the Public Service Management Code as “unlawful,” stating that blanket bans on educators’ personal opinions about their work violate democratic principles. The Ombudsman emphasized that such restrictions lack “reasonable necessity” in a modern society, particularly for educators not in managerial roles.

The ruling mandates the Education Ministry to revise guidelines, ensuring educators can freely contribute to public discourse on education without fear of disciplinary action. UPE’s Executive Head, Graham Sansone, hailed the decision as “a win for every educator’s voice,” aligning with Workers’ Day’s spirit of empowering workers’ rights.

As Malta celebrates Workers’ Day tomorrow, this victory underscores the critical role of unions like UPE in safeguarding professional freedoms. Educators now look forward to a future where their insights shape—not silence—the dialogue on Malta’s educational future.

“The right to speak freely about our work isn’t just a privilege—it’s a cornerstone of progress.” — Graham Sansone – UPE Executive Head