MCAST Principle Confirms Contract Not Renewed But Had No Knowledge Of Alleged Sacking
MCAST Principal Joachim James Calleja, who had been assuming the role since 2018, confirmed to Times of Malta that he was told his contract would not be renewed around three weeks ago.
However, he stated that he had no knowledge of being sacked by the Ministry of Education until being sent media reports. He maintained that he was set to finish out his contract until August – the end of the academic year.
This comes amid turbulent times for the institution and its students, with ongoing negotiations between the Malta Union of Teachers and the Ministry over a collective agreement seemingly reaching no resolution.
Calleja stated that since he turned 65 two years ago, his contract started to be renewed annually and that around three weeks ago, when his contract was up for renewal, the ministry informed him in writing that it was not going to be renewed.
However, he maintained that he was not aware of any decision to fire him and that he only heard this news through media reports.
Malta Today stated that sources close to the institute said the ministry informed the MCAST board that Calleja’s services will no longer be required and that a public call will be issued to find a replacement.
Besides the negotiations and subsequent MUT directives that have had numerous negative effects on the students, the source reportedly said that the final straw was the decision to allow police patrols on campus with the right to search students.
Education Minister Clifton Grima quickly criticised the decision as unwarranted. According to the report, the government is attempting “clear the stifling atmosphere” by replacing the principal.
Speaking to Lovin Malta about the directives which have left students feeling hopeless, a spokesperson for the Education Ministry stated “I confirm that MCAST has a financial proposal prepared that is ready to be presented to the MUT with the agreement and condition that the same union immediately suspends the directives that are negatively impacting thousands of students. The MUT is refusing to withdraw the directives to the detriment of the students.”
The MUT has not responded to the newsroom’s questions had MCAST recalled its response.
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