MUT complaints

The Malta Union of Teachers yesterday expressed disappointment at not being officially invited to the launch of the Teachers' Council.

"The MUT had always pushed forward the idea of a self-regulatory organ for the teaching profession akin to those of the established professions."In fact, the union has, for over a decade, stressed the importance of establishing a teaching council as a regulatory body for the teaching profession."

In a separate statement, the MUT council expressed its "serious concern" at the slow pace of implementation of the Education Reform Agreement of July 2007.

"The MUT has no alternative but to consider its position in this regard".

The Education Ministry said it was surprised by the MUT's comments.

All the persons appointed, nominated or elected to sit on the council were representative of all the stakeholders in the educational sector, including the MUT.

Apart from the president, the council included two representatives who were nominated by the MUT.

The ministry added that when the minister launched the council, all the members, including the two MUT nominees, had been invited. No other officials from the entities represented on the council were invited for the occasion.