MUT complains about teacher unemployment

A number of issues that affect the education system were discussed between the Malta Union of Teachers and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

During a meeting yesterday at Castille, MUT president John Bencini said in the next four years 1,000 students will graduate as teachers.

On Monday the union expressed its concern about the high percentage of unemployed graduate teachers, which, Mr Bencini said, last year stood at 40 per cent.

He said that through suggestions which the union had made to the Education Division more jobs could be created. He said the emphasis was no longer on "education for everyone" but on the provision of a quality education. Although this would cost more money, it could utilise more people and the end result would be a very positive one. Mr Bencini said the MUT was not happy with the number of students who continued onto tertiary education.

He said that although workers' unions usually have the role of defending their members, the MUT also works in the interest of students.

"We cannot refrain from looking out for the students because they are our clients too," he said.

Dr Gonzi noted the point about the level of unemployment among graduating teachers, saying the situation in Malta was good compared with the other 24 EU member countries but this should not put the people's minds at rest. The country needed to strive to create more employment opportunities.

"We need to explore other ways to enable young people choosing the teaching vocation to find a job," he said.