Where’s The €36,000 Starting Salary? Teachers’ Union Calls Out Minister Of Education For Failed Promises
The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) have released statements and screenshots related to the raises that they were promised, and how these were not met by the government.
“It is evident that rather than finding solutions to conclude the sectoral agreement, the government is trying to save face against all odds by attempting to discredit MUT. MUT and its members shall not be intimidated and have experienced similar tactics in the past. The Union shall keep on fighting for the factual recognition of the work of educators.”
While teachers were told by Minister of Education Clifton Grima that they would be receiving a €10,000 raise and that new teachers would be starting on a €36,000 salary, these proposals are “nowhere to be found in government’s financial proposals to MUT”.
The narrative is not a new one, seeing that the MUT and governments have been negotiating a new collective agreement for months. The MUT declared mistrust in the negotiating arms of the government this week, following the lengthy processes of the negotiations. It also issued an ultimatum, giving the minister until the 24th the close the deal.
Screenshots of the last proposal by the government to the MUT were released, showing that the promised €36,000 salary for new teachers will not be met. They indicate that the government proposed that new teachers will get a €6,000 annual increase, however, existing yearly allowances of €3,000 must be deducted from the sum.
“Where is the €10,000 increase? Where is the €36,000 starting salary for new teachers?”
Following the statements, the Minister of Education took to social media to respond, stressing on the fact that the starting salary will indeed be that of €36,000. He also claimed that this is just one increase for one category of teacher, and that there will be more to come.
Grima also stated that he had already told the MUT to provide all the factual information to its members, and that they omitted the information related to the two meetings that took place this week.
“If this is not done, and it instead spreads selective information once more, the government will have no other option but to publish all information itself. Once published, everyone will be able to appreciate the true facts,” he said.
What do you make of this?