The Malta union of Teachers (MUT) in a statement today, has said that following several weeks of intensive discussions between the union and the Education Ministry, the talks have now failed.

This announcement comes just a few days before schools are due to open their doors for the new scholastic year.

“The Ministry is repeatedly implementing measures in schools other than those previously discussed, and without effectively answering hundreds of unanswered questions, particularly on the protection of health and safety,” the union said.

The MUT argued that, “it is clear that the implementation of measures on health and safety and the curricular aspect is taking place without any consideration or thought, which means that both the health and safety of educators, students and families as well as the curricular aspect are being compromised.”

The MUT explained that it has discussed various solutions with the Ministry over the past few weeks and some of them have already been agreed and communicated.

“However, what is being implemented is not what has been discussed. Examples include secondary timetables, measures for educators considered ‘high risk’ and supervision,” stated the MUT.

“There are still many matters and outstanding questions unanswered by the Ministry,” the Union said. “This is leading to the Ministry creating a great deal of uncertainty in the sector which over time continues to clearly show that the preparations started very late and are now in a state of absolute panic.”

The MUT concluded by saying it will therefore convene its Council as a matter of urgency later today

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