Unions set deadline

The University of Malta Academic Staff Association and the Malta Union of Teachers yesterday wrote to the rector of the University of Malta expressing their grave concern at the lack of progress in negotiations leading to a new collective agreement for the academic staff at the University and the Junior College.

The collective agreement expired in December 2003.

The unions said they have given the University until Monday to accede to their request for an immediate nominal interim increase in salaries for academic staff. "The unions are reserving their right to take any action necessary to protect the interest of the academic staff," they said.