MUT calls off strike after government agrees to drop warrant clauses

The Malta Union of Teachers has suspended industrial action after the government withdrew the proposed changes to the Education Act and agreed to drop several contentious clauses.

The union said on Saturday that government agreed to remove clauses in the new law that concerned training and proficiency tests linked to warrants and licences before fresh discussions on the proposed changes can start.

The developments were announced by the MUT after an emergency meeting of its council this morning that was followed by a meeting with Education Minister Evarist Bartolo and other ministry officials.

Bartolo wrote to the Speaker of the House yesterday evening to withdraw the three Bills that had been presented with changes to the Education Act.

The MUT said its actions had safeguarded the profession of educators and insisted it would not accept a situation where it would be accused of misinterpreting clauses.

The union said that agreement was reached in principle on changes to clause sthat concerned qualifications, homeschooling, school licences and other aspects linked to information gathering.

Pending issues between the union and the government will also be addressed.

The union said that in light of these developments it was withdrawing industrial action and suspending Monday’s strike. It reserved the right to resume industrial action if any laws were put forward without consultation.

In a statement, the Education Ministry that the agreement reached this morning was one by which “everyone won”.

“We look forward for the start of a new period of work in the best interest of children, educators, parents and the country,” the ministry said, adding that Monday will be a normal school day.