The University of Malta (UM) regrets that the MUT has today ordered its members to strike for two hours at the Junior College over the disagreement on the negotiations of the new collective agreement for lecturers. In addition, the MUT plans on going ahead with a full-day strike tomorrow apart from a series of other directives already in place.
The MUT is giving the impression that the UM is being intransigent in its dealings when this is a far cry from the truth. Over the last few months, the University has been engaged in discussions with the MUT in a bid to successfully conclude the Collective Agreement. UM strongly believes that it has tabled an attractive financial proposal that is consistent with its pay structures and reflects relativity across the institution. This same principle was adhered to in all previous collective agreements that were successfully negotiated with the MUT for Junior College lecturers.
This time around, however, the MUT has repeatedly refused to consider the financial offer made by the University and has instead resorted to industrial action leading to lectures being suspended for students.
While the UM remains committed to reaching an agreement which benefits its lecturing members of staff at the Junior College, it reiterates its obligation to provide an attractive comprehensive package that is fair and transparent and respects its responsibilities as a publicly funded institution.
