Updated: Industrial action affecting disabled children

(Adds MUT reaction)

The Chief Executive Officer of Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Nathan Farrugia, has called on the Malta Union of Teachers to lift industrial action by facilitators who assist children with physical and learning disabilities during therapeutic sessions at Razzett tal-Hbiberija.

Mr. Farrugia explained that these actions have been in force for almost the whole of this scholastic year, thus causing children with physical and learning disabilities to lose out on important therapeutic services offered for free at Razzett tal-Hbiberija.

Late last year, the MUT had ordered facilitators not to accompany children with physical and learning disabilities during therapeutic sessions at Razzett tal-Hbiberija.

Mr. Farrugia told a press conference that the government should take all necessary measures to safeguard the children’s interests.

“It is unacceptable to have children with physical and learning disabilities falling victims of a dispute between the MUT and government. Unfortunately, we have no control over this situation. We strongly feel that children are losing out on important therapy that contributes to improving their quality of life”.

In a reaction, MUT president John Bencini said the MUT had only asked the government to establish a legal framework so that Razzett would be recognised as part of the workplace of teachers and facilitators and their rights would be protected should something happen to them there.

"The government agreed with our request, the agreement has been minuted, it is now up to the government, not the union, to establish the legal framework. The sooner that is done, the better, there is no doubting the benefits for the children who go to Razzett," Mr Bencini said.

During the same press conference Gordon Pace, Head of Fundraising at Razzett tal-Hbiberija, announced that on June 7, Razzett tal-Hbiberija will hold a 12-hour televised fundraising marathon.

He said that contrary to other fundraising events held once a year, Razzett was aiming to generate a build-up of smaller events leading to a peak on June 7.