Image Source : MCSAT
MCAST lecturers staged a spirited protest outside the administration building in Paola, demanding resolution on their collective agreement negotiations, which have been stalled for an unacceptable two years and nine months. The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) organized the protest after talks deteriorated under the newly appointed Principal, Stephen Vella, who has shown an unyielding stance.
MUT President Marco Bonnici strongly criticized MCAST’s handling of negotiations, citing Vella’s conspicuous absence from crucial meetings and his threats of legal action against the union. The protest marked a significant escalation in the dispute, with lecturers holding posters that conveyed their frustration and disappointment with MCAST’s management. Messages such as “MCAST Hates Its Own Educators,” “MCAST: Poor Management Through Tyranny,” and “Stop Stalling, Start Acting” reflected the depth of feeling among the educators.
Bonnici expressed profound distrust in Vella, highlighting his failure to negotiate with the MUT and his 20-year tenure at MCAST without resolving key issues. In response to the protest, MCAST cancelled the academic year’s opening ceremony, a move Bonnici saw as a transparent attempt to divert attention from the union’s legitimate concerns.
The MUT promptly declared a trade dispute with MCAST and issued fresh industrial action directives, effective immediately, underscoring the union’s determination to secure fair representation and working conditions for its members. The standoff has raised concerns about the college’s leadership and its commitment to resolving pressing issues.
As the dispute continues, the academic community remains vigilant, seeking a swift resolution that prioritizes the welfare and interests of educators and students alike. With tensions running high, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this contentious issue. The situation has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for constructive dialogue and meaningful action to address the longstanding grievances of MCAST educators.
