Once again, a dispute has further strained relations between the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) and the government.

Joyce Cassar, the Permanent Secretary of the People and Standards Division, forming part of the Office of the Prime Minister, said harsh things about the MUT during a press briefing, calling out their “unacceptable” proposals.

She accused the union of wanting €400 per student for correcting resit exams, something she said would be a surprise to many people and would lead to suspicions about lecturers failing students deliberately.

Cassar also criticised a union proposal for an additional 10 days of leave for MCAST educators, branding it as exceeding legal boundaries.

She also dismissed suggestions that students should start class at 6am, referring to it as a ridiculous suggestion.

Earlier this week, the government had already taken a firm stance, declaring that negotiations will not move forward until the MUT lift the directives at MCAST. Cassar emphasised that this dispute has disrupted academic operations since early October.

For now, MCAST students and staff remain caught in the crossfire of a conflict that continues to raise questions about the balance between educators’ rights and the preservation of educational standards.

Meanwhile, the MUT called out and rejected Cassar’s statements as misleading, accusing the government of undermining MCAST’s education quality. It also highlighted the lack of resources and staff replacements, which it argued left MCAST stretched thin. At the same time, the union said it was still open to dialogue, despite the government’s approach, which it condemned as “confrontational”.

The negotiations are now entering their second year.

When do you think this dispute will end?