MUT orders one day teachers' strike - Ministry says demands are exaggerated

Muscat.Pat

Apr 26th 2009, 12:55

Are teachers over-paid? I say that they are under-paid because fewer and fewer people are opting for this profession. Who is over-paid then? Those consultants and heads of Quangoes are over-paid, they are having a good comfy ride on the gravy train, and I bet , many of them have enough free time to comment against the under-paid teachers! Teachers are not stepping stones for political expedience, whats good for the ministers and ex-minister(pay rise) is good for the altruistic teacher!

Aaron Borg

Apr 26th 2009, 12:33

I will just quote Paolo Freire: "IF YOU THINK EDUCATION IS EXPENSIVE, TRY IGNORANCE..."

Melissa Balgey

Apr 26th 2009, 07:32

Yes, let all those anti-teacher whiners go and teach and have some fun in the process....they'll eat their words in no time. Am off to spend my Sunday preparing final exam papers.

L. Grech

Apr 25th 2009, 19:14

teaching is not all easy. it involves alot of work and preparation. no wonder only 14 primary teachers will be graduating next year!!

F.Fenech

Apr 25th 2009, 17:16

I agree 100% with D Gauci. Give teaching a try for a year before passing futile comments. Teachers are only fighting for better working conditions and they have every right to do so, just like any other profession or career. For those who don't know, if a teacher decides to change school, he will lose his seniority and increments and go back to square one. This is ridiculous! In any other profession, if one decides to change job, he certainly will find another with a better or equal pay. Teachers can't and this is pure discrimination.

If teaching is an easy job as many people say, then explain why not so many students are reading for a B.Ed or PGCE course anymore?! Facts speak louder than words!

S Bonnici

Apr 25th 2009, 11:48

@ G. Schembri. (well said)

I cannot, but thank Mr. Bencini for having ordered this strike. We teachers are professionals, working in piteous conditions.

There isn't anyone in this country who appreciates teachers' work and all the whole lot thinks that WE are teachers just for the holidays.

We are not asking for the same salaries of certain professionals but at least a decent increase would be much more than appreciated, since we're the worst paid of all professions and kindly remember that it is us TEACHERS who teach the much discussed Education to everyone including Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants... etc etc... We are the ones who build the foundations of each and every child and who help them become educated persons. We are the ones who are never thanked for doing a good job but always criticised for having holidays. We thank God for the holidays, at least to catch up on all the work we have to do.

But how would you understand if you aren't a teacher.... pffff.... ????!!!! Study, become a teacher and then come speak to us about what holidays u've got left!

M Borg

Apr 25th 2009, 11:44

Unfortunately the situation in Malta is this:

We have STUPID social partners, fighting with a STUPID government, over a STUPID issue.

and i will explain why:

how come, in such a bad economic time, when many locals are losing their jobs, factories are going into 4-day week, reducing shifts and not employing new workers to replace retired ones in order to cut on costs, some unions ask for such incentives? And how come that a union comments that the Teachers are underpaid when compared to their European counterparts? Isn't it that any salary in Malta cannot be compared to those on the continent?

YOU HAVE TO BE STUPID.

How come that the Government is criticising such demands from an employers' union after unanimously parliament agreed to raise the MP's wages by Euro300 WEEKLY ??

R. Bugeja

Apr 25th 2009, 11:36

It is true... when it comes to the teaching profession everyone points out that we have got so many holidays, that we work 6 hours a day...... Have you ever considered that to be a professional teacher you have to do another 5/6 hours of daily preparation, this includes corrections, lesson and resource preparation, filling records of work and schemes of work.... Besides that there is the never ending syllabus, behaviour problems, threats, .... We have to deal with that too. Just to remind you... besides that we are also assigned special duties or particular projects. Doing these projects implies a lot of hard work and commitment. However, some of us are really frustrated because the same projects are being carried out by European teachers and they are being paid for this work. If we want to keep professional teachers on the go, we must support them. I m afraid that in a few years some of the best professionals in this sector will try their luck elsewhere......

GiovDeMartino

Apr 25th 2009, 11:10

Make hay while the sun shines. Now is the time to strike. Under a labour govt. teachers were ordered by their union not to distribute milk. THEY WERE LOCKED OUT AND WERE ACCEPTED BACK WHEN THEY WERE HUMILIATED, TRANSFERRED, ASSAULTED....ISSA L-MUMENT. Flex your muscles Hon. Minister ghax se jehdulek mhux subghajk, mhux idejk imma lilek b'kollox.
i

Patrick bellia

Apr 25th 2009, 11:09

So first the teachers, Prof's etc who work at the university and now the teachers, and how about those workers who work from monday to Sunday for a miserable Lm1.50 an Hr including public holidays. why these people nobody mention them? Do not have the right like everybody to have good wages and conditions or because these people work in private sector? the only rise they have is the cost of living.

Ray Zerafa

Apr 25th 2009, 10:48

I agree that most of the teachers and facilitators are dedicated however; did Mr Bencini ever question why it’s a must that the majority of our children have no alternative than to attend private lessons to pass their exams? These private lesson are costing the parents millions of Euros year after year in additional to the taxes we pay to finance our education system. Could the Minister of finance publish the tax revenue generated from fees paid to teachers for their private lessons. It’s the government DUTY to spend our taxes wisely and provide our nation value for money. Is it coincidence that pre-elections the MUT have some sort of dispute with the authorities or it is the union strategy? Let’s augur and hope that the MUT won’t be a burden on our education system and the necessary education reforms for the benefit of our children future and the success of the Maltese people.

Marija Falzon

Apr 25th 2009, 10:38

I find it funny how some people are that jealous of teacher's holidays. If you see that teacher's conditions are that great, why don't you just study and become one. No body is holding you back. Once the government decided to better the conditions of one sector, namely the doctors, to better compare with other opportunities abroad, than it was obvious that workers in all other sectors would follow suit. This is a reality we have to accept. It is easy telling a section of the society to refrain from asking for better conditions. But would you be willing to work for a miserable pay, when there are better opportunities elsewhere?

Lawrence Bonello

Apr 25th 2009, 10:32

I invite all those moaners who complain about holidays and working-hours to deal "properly" with scores of different personalities, problems and situations day in day out as we teachers do.
What I am seeing lately is more and more parents who haven't got a clue how to deal with their own children, let alone those of others. Try out our job for a couple of days before you rush to your keyboards!
As Chuck Berry used to sing "Go go go Johnny go"!!

Charles Ebejer

Apr 25th 2009, 10:26

It would be better for Mr. Bencini to ensure that his teachers are fullfilling to their utmost their duties towards their students which from results it seems is not the case. Why is it that the MUT is always calling strike actions when students are preparing or doing their exams.

Johan Mula

Apr 25th 2009, 10:25

Well done MUT! It is about time that the goverment start to treat teachers as professionals and not as second class workers. We are all behind you. Keep up the good work!

Robert Attard

Apr 25th 2009, 10:23

@Edward Cassar
"Malta can only be competitive by having low wages."
with an inflation standing at 4.6% (double the eu average) who needs highers pay? EVERYONE!!!

Kevin Tanti

Apr 25th 2009, 10:10

Teachers are underpaid? If one compare a teacher's salary with amount of hours worked in a year, I think teachers have the highest rate per hour. In addition, when a public holiday is on Saturday or Sunday, only teachers hadve an extra day as a holiday.

Manuel Mifsud

Apr 25th 2009, 10:10

At least they won't get paid for the time they are out on strike, fair enough!

What I don't like are the numerous go-slows and work-to-rule, where those taking action get paid inspite of causing disruptions and inconveniences at their places of work.

Many remember how Mintoff was totally against the so called partial action and the repercussions suffered by those taking part in such actions, particularly by the teachers themselves. There was a time when they were suspended from work for several weeks and they could only get an allowance from the funds collected by members of the CMTU. Times do really change!

Victor Caruana

Apr 25th 2009, 10:10

For those who say that teachers (or any other worker for this matter) are underpaid compared to EU. This is the biggest Laugh of all times. So was PL right that Malta wasn't prepared for FULL membership in EU? as for the work done at home by the teachers. I know only unskilled workers who just go and give a damn for their workplace. Are teachers unskilled workers. THEY should be proud with their career.It seems that they call a strike during exams day. Why wouldn't they call a strike during the first days at school ex. September? 30th April - A happy long wk! The government should keep promises and give the teachers what they deserve. One teacher just aired that she left the banking sector and entered the teaching profession because of HER kids. 2 off. She finishes work the same time her kids finish school! when her kids are out of school she is out of school. So this is the best job! Hope that not most teachers are like HER. MUT please note their vocation!

Alfred Bugeja

Apr 25th 2009, 09:58

@ M Saliba

Sorry to burst your bubble...

A quick look at the financial estimates available on the Ministry for Finance's website at www.finance.gov.mt shows that the pay increase that you allege that Ministers have given themselves is off the mark by more than €12,000.

The exact amount €1,955...

Alfred Bugeja

Apr 25th 2009, 09:51

With all due respect, teachers' salaries are pegged to Government's salary scales ranging from 10 (equivalent to a principal [most of whom hold university degrees just like teachers]) to scale 5 or 4 (the scale of a director in a Govt. Department). Such salary scales are afforded to middle and senior management in the Government salary hierarchy. Considering that the leave allowance for teachers is far better than that of "regular" government employees, I fail to see why Government should give in to their requests.

Charles Galea

Apr 25th 2009, 09:49

I can't understand why the MUT is protesting against conditions which it had agreed to in what Mr Bencini called "a historic agreement". Presently many parents are worried about many things, such as the level of teaching that is being delivered in many government schools and the reduced number of contact hours teachers have with pupils. It is a well known fact that some teachers are missing lessons when organising school activities, such as prize days and outings, and others are more concerned with private lessons and second jobs rather than their professional output. MUT should do something to ensure discipline in schools, protect and propagate sound values, a safeguard the professional status of teachers and ensure that all give their full day's work. Everybody would certainly appreciate that.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Apr 25th 2009, 09:48

It seems that a certain anti union hostility is alive and well on recent comments pages on the Times. What is strange is that , a case in point a few days ago, whilst many where attacking Gwu's arguments in favour of a secret ballot, the majority of Times readers Voted in preference of a secret ballot.

What I am saying is that the comments on these pages do not necessarily portray the real public opiinion out there, SO Mr. Bencini need not worry.

As for all those claiming that a pay rise is anathema in these current times, I suggest you voluntarily increase your tax contributions to help the country, and maybe even grant ministers a heftier pay cheque, or even better, a golden handshake should they fail to get re-elected. Its happened before!

As for all you folks claiming that Unions should be ignored...well, why wheren't they ignored in the run up to the referendum.
Remember the large classroom like poses and the countless statements extolling the social partners(including Unions) support for the then Governments policies?
Unions were important then, and they're important now.

J.Cassar

Apr 25th 2009, 09:46

While I have the greatest respect for the MUT, I believe it is not the right time to take industrial action. When hundreds of workers in private industry are fearing for their jobs, it is most insensitive to ask for more money for people who have a job guarantee valid for life.

Teachers' pay may not be brilliant, but at least they do not have to fear about being made redundant.

Please have some sensitivity for those who risk losing their jobs and if there is any money available in government's coffers it should be used to help the unemployed.

J. Cassar

A.AQUILINA

Apr 25th 2009, 09:41

Well done Mr Bencini. Keep up the good work!

It is so easy to criticize the teachers unless you are a teacher! It seems that no one appreciates all the work that is done at school and carried on at home. Our work is not between 7.30 and 2.00 as A.Farrugia stated! It entails a lot of dedication, patience, and commitment in order for our students to succeed. Unfortunately we are still underestimated and most people keep on attacking us because of the summer holidays! Our job is quite stressful but rewarding at the same time.

Moreover I don't know of any other profession were you lose your seniority because you move from one place to another or because you go abroad to broaden your experience! Is this fair??? We deserve to be respected and treated as professionals if we want our colleges to be successful.

mary borg

Apr 25th 2009, 09:37

Everyday situation in a class..... working from 8.30 - 2.30. No time for going to the bathroom, no time for a cup of tea, no time for a phone call, no internet, no mobile, no time to eat. Apart from that......trying to give a lesson, bullying by students, lack of discipline, bullying by parents if trying to correct a student. Are we talking about a job here? Can anyone work under such conditions? Our job is to teach.......and we cannot do so if our working enviroment is not appropriate! No wonder the number of students graduating as teachers from university is drastically decreasing!

Jeffrey Zammit

Apr 25th 2009, 09:32

Just incredible. Every time teachers raise their voice they mention holidays. Why did not grumblers choose the teaching if they feel that holidays are the most important thing in a job? The reasons are that teaching profession is underpaid and/or many are incapable of handling 30 students. Ah yes. Teachers are finding out that the people who grumble most are not capable of handling their own children. They expect teachers to babysit all year round. Having their own children at home during holidays is too much.

Well Done Mr.Bencini. This is the way to go. If the government expects quality service for our children, then it must have a price tag. Comments posted here should not deter the union's mission of achieving better quality in our education system.

katie worley

Apr 25th 2009, 09:28

G Scembri excuse me ... we are well aware of the extra work teachers do... and the pressures they are under .... but as the mother of a child with a learning disability , who about to take the JL exams.. as well as amy being sports coach in school. I am fully aware of BOTH sides and I can assure you it WILL effect our children.. at the very last day before they sit the exams, Obviously you dont not have a child in that situation or you would not say that. Yes teachers fight for your rights... BUT now is NOT the time

GaleaL

Apr 25th 2009, 09:24

katie worley
You strike when it will be felt most not when it will have little or no effect.
It is shameful for the government to have agreed to hold more talks 14 months ago and yet no talks were held.

Ludwig Flask
If you yourself are saying that teachers are underpaid, do you expect them not to strike for their rights? I agree with you that everyone should have been given a decent increase.

Anthony Briffa
They may not have your sympathy because presently your arrogant Gonzi governmen is being put into bad light for its usual inaction and sweeping problems under the carpet. I am not a teacher but I assure you that they have my sympathy. You gave a good certificate to the GWU and the MUT for being vigilant for their members rights.

A. Farrugia, Carmel J Farrugia
If they are having it so good why don't you become teachers?

To all those who are criticizing the teachers and others who are better paid, why don't you fight to get better pay and not sow hatred to those better than you?

Kaydee Zammit Why your PN hatred for Unions?

John Bencini

Apr 25th 2009, 09:20

Just to put people's minds at rest. In no way will the "work to rule" which will commence on Monday 4th. May have any negative effect on children sitting for their Junior Lyceum exams. The MUT Council has taken consideration of this. Teachers are instructed to make sure that children sitting for these exams are given all the assistance they require. Teachers have worked hard with these students. These students deserve respect and they should not worry. Parents should put their minds at rest. We will not do anything that could in anyway put extra pressure or stress on our beloved students. Parents have great respect for teachers and I am sure they appreciated the fact that their Union is only doing its duty towards their members. John Bencini MUT President

Jeremy Lanfranco

Apr 25th 2009, 09:18

If teachers strike and do not turn up for work, do they get paid for the day it by the MUT?

G.Schembri

Apr 25th 2009, 09:09

Why is it that every time teachers fight for their rights people come up with the same arguments about holidays? Do these so called parents ever see all the work the teachers do to correct work and prepare lessons? All this work is done at home, during holidays or after school hours. Do you know how much money teachers spend on books, ink for printing and other teaching resources, I wonder how much money other workers spend on other people' s children.
Primary school teachers work from 8.30 till 14.30 without leaving the classroom for 1 minute, they cannot even visit the bathroom unless someone takes pity on them and minds the class until they return, what other workers have the same conditions.
So the strike is just before JL exams, I'm sure all yr 6 are presently doing revision, students can revise just as well at home, the strike will not affect them.
Teachers are asking for better working conditions, which will give students better learning opportunities. It is useless to build large schools without providing quality education, the only people to gain from such a situation would be the building contractors.

Edward Cassar

Apr 25th 2009, 08:56

S.Abela
You are right by saying that teachers are underpaid ( even our Prime Minister is in the same situation) when comparing with teachers in the EU ,but who is not in the same situation here in Malta. Why don't you mention the job security and other perks teachers in the Government schools have and are not accountable. Malta can only be competitive by having low wages.
So all Government employees get pay rises ,doctors get pay rises but the ordinary people employed in factories are paid with the minimum pay.

Galea Josephine

Apr 25th 2009, 08:54

For all those who are misinterpreting MUT andmud slinging this Union as if MUT is not concerned that soon pupils will be sitting for their Junior Lyceum exams in two weeks time. Today's The Times reported in its front page the "union president John Bencini insisted the teachers would not do anything that could disrupt the exams. "It is not our intention to drag children into this".' he said. So for goodness sake, stop this mud slinging. The MUT is only insisting with the authorities to treat teachers the same way it had treated otjher professionals before the last general election.

Mark Piscopo

Apr 25th 2009, 08:54

@Stefan Sacco
The Government is constantly in disagreement with the Malta Union of Teacher. Some teaching staff are paid like minor staff although an agreement had been signed by the government to improve the salaries and working conditions.

peter galea

Apr 25th 2009, 08:50

Well done Mr Bencini. This country needs people like you who could stand to this arrogant government who obtained a minority of votes in the last election! Teachers are being exploited by Government and Church alike.

P.Pulis

Apr 25th 2009, 08:45

To all those who are insisting that all Maltese workers are underpaid and that the economy is not ready for any salary/allowances increases, please note: Certain sectors have already negotiated salary increases (doctors, pilots). Other professions need no neogtiations to increase their salaries (architects, lawers, consultants ...).
Please note also that no hesitation was spared to increase the allowances of members of partiament. MEP's have also obtained a substantial incresases (Euro 80.000 salary + allowancies) to bring them in line with their European counterparts. So why does hell break loose whenever teachers do what other professions are doing or have already done?

M Saliba

Apr 25th 2009, 08:40

If I remember well the government’s policy was that there won’t be any sectorial agreements. Then on the eleventh hour of the election an agreement was concluded with the health sector. The MUT was promised a similar treatment. But now the election is over and priorities have changed. Barely two months after the election all ministers and parliamentary secretaries gave themselves a yearly INCREASE of €14,966.

I am waiting for the Education Minister to deny or confirm if the minister had promised the MUT to hold talks on an addendum to a 2007 reform agreement.

Stefan Scerri

Apr 25th 2009, 08:37

@ A. Farrugia. Of course! We all became teachers only because of the holidays! And I'm sure that there are thousands, no wait, tens of thousands just like this chap waiting in line to become teachers in order the be able to enjoy "the best job which remain(s) on the island"!

What a pathetic point of view!

Maruska Agius

Apr 25th 2009, 08:35

Even though I think the teachers has a right to ask for what was promised to them, I think that it is really wrong timing to strike. I agree with Katie Worley when she stated that it is the children who will suffer as it is should be their last day for revision and such before the JL examinations, and also I feel that this will be a good excuse for all the teachers to enjoy a long weekend. Or am I mistaken????

G Camilleri

Apr 25th 2009, 08:34

I am not surprised that there a a few comments from generally the same people who attack teachers and the MUT. I am also not at all surprised that a few attack John Bencini's integrity. John Bencini stood up to be counted when his Union joined other social partners in favour of Malta joining the European Union. He suffered consequenced and the facade of his house was vandalized during the EUI referendum campaign. John Bencini and his Union did not mince words before the last general elections when he disagreed with Labour Party proposal to introduce the famous reception class. John Bencini and his Union have joined 10 other Unions to protest against theexaggerated water and electricity tariffs as these are causing alot of suffering on those most in need. John Bencini is a true Trade Unionist. We need more people like this person in this country. He calls a spade a spade. Thanks Mr. Bencini. Please dont be discouraged by the few comments of people who have absolutely no idea of what a teacher's job is all about.

D Gauci

Apr 25th 2009, 08:33

If teachers are well paid and enjoy the luxury of so many holidays, why don't you all try to teach at least for a year? Please do try it out.

c.cocker

Apr 25th 2009, 08:32

I pity you Mr A.Farrugia.A teacher`s job requires work at home,preparation of lessons and is really stressful.Don`t mention the holidays.Well done mr Bencini and all the unions for your stand against this rude and arrogant government.It`s true that yes together is possible.Thanks Gonzipn.Mr Briffa, don`t show your political side.And John schembri..yes a long long wknd is deserved.

katie worley

Apr 25th 2009, 08:19

Whilst i have the greatest respect for the work teachers do with our children. to strike at this time would be be just down right thoughtless to the students. Especially those who teach year 6 children.. Thursday is the last day for school before the the Jr Lyceum Exams start on Monday 4th May... Or is that the whole point .. to make max impact. But it is the children who will suffer and they have no fault in the teachers arguments. Teaching is a vocation, teachers make a commitment to guide the students through the year and its their responsibility to keep that commitment especially at this important time of the year. Dear Ms Vella... if you feel that strongly maybe you choose the wrong profession . I coach in a private school and i take my responsibility to my students very seriously like any job you take the good with the bad.

Maurice Micallef

Apr 25th 2009, 08:10

@ Stefan Sacco
Seems like Mr Bencini is one of the few Union leaders who can make a stand to the arrogant attitude of the Government ministers and for whom the interests of his members come before any political consideration. Well done Mr Bencini - you're the best.

Colin Camilleri

Apr 25th 2009, 08:09

For all those that argue that teachers are not underspaid. Find me another Profession that requires one to go through one of the toughest training, study various areas of expertese, and carry on studying the whole life, only to earn a ridiculous salary.
Fact is that the teaching profession is so demanding. A lawyer gets paid even if he loses you the lawsiut. The doctor will get paid even if he prescribes the wrong medicine. The teacher however cannot even take sick leave as this will have parents banging on the schools' doors.
Give me a break. Yes teachers should strike to show that their work needs to be appreciated.
Today it is not worth studying to become a teacher. The financial reward and career prospects are close to nothing.

Louise Vella

Apr 25th 2009, 07:55

The first thing that people observe about teachers' job are the holidays. Nobody mentions the stress we go through when dealing with bad and disrespectful behaviour from an increasingly number of students.. no wonder its one of the most stressful jobs! By the way the state school teachers only had 8 days of Easter holiday while other schools had 2 weeks! so please get your facts in order.

Well done Mr.Bencini.. keep fighting for our rights..our profession is not highly considered in society even though we spend the same number of studying years as other highly paid professions. As regards to missing one day of school I doubt it will greatly affect most students.. it will probably affect more working parents.

Ludwig Flask

Apr 25th 2009, 07:51

Most private sector employees are underpaid, and today more than before more work is done for lesser money inorder for a company to keep on going without layoffs or liquidation! I'm not arguing that teachers are underpaid and need to have their merited salary increase or whatever, but as done previously following a compromise/mismanagement between unions and government pay increases are given to only a few - doctors, pilots,... what about the rest - pure discrimination!

Anthony Briffa

Apr 25th 2009, 07:43

Have all you forgotten that the MUT is now bushing shoulders with the GWU and has quickly learned how to fight quixotic wars? The MUT should realize that they have zero sympathy for their cause from the general public. Its credibility is as low as that of the GWU and the Bus Owners Association. Il-Malti jighd ma min rajtek xebahtek.

Tony Mizzi

Apr 25th 2009, 07:39

@lorraine barbara
DOes the ministry also know about junior lyceum exams???? From your post it seems that just the MUT should be aware of those exams!!!!

J. Schembri

Apr 25th 2009, 07:28

They can have a long weekend !

Gauci Gorga

Apr 25th 2009, 07:11

It's seems that the Goverment is constantly in disagreement with the Unions (almost all unions are in dispute with the Goverment). What a pity.... The slogan: 'Flimkien kollox possibili' was only suitable for the 2008 but not anymore. GonziPn please wake up.

A. Farrugia

Apr 25th 2009, 07:01

When looking to the jobs which are offered on our islands, the best job which remain on the island is that of a teacher. Go to school at 7.30 till 2pm (mainly) if there are no free lessons! They have too much hours in the afternoon from where they can give private lessons, they have too much holidays!!
I appreciate the work teachers do but we need to see everything in the whole perspective. If we are demanding for salaries only, govt need to raise taxes but what about the holidays? Where a normal employee has only 24 days of leave while teachers have in November, christmas, summer (about 2 full months)?

Carmel J Farrugia

Apr 25th 2009, 06:45

Do they realise that unemployment is growing in this country as in all other countries and a consistent number of the parents of the students they teach are either out or work, or with a reduced week or soon toe be made redundant?

Nigel Lawrence

Apr 25th 2009, 05:25

The ministry described the MUT’s demands as exaggerated and said they led one to doubt whether the union had calculated what their impact would be on the economy.---

What economy?

Kaydee Zammit

Apr 25th 2009, 03:10

Nearly every worker of every kind is underpaid in Malta compared to the rest of the EU. In these times especially the government cannot keep increasing wages - most of them undeserved. Unions should not be given the right to dictate everything. Remember the bus workers' union fiasco? More recently the Airmalta incident where the aircraft did not operate because the workers would be 3 minutes late - undoubtedly knowing they had the union's consent. At times I had to stay for even an hour at work, unpaid, because work ran late. Stuff happens! They should be grateful they have a secure job and not reduce to a 4-day week like many. And now this. Unions should have their powers decreased - and if the demands are exaggerated just overruled. Unions cannot dictate everything!

Stephen Borg Cardona

Apr 25th 2009, 01:20

I agree ! They are underpaid and do not have enough holidays either !

L Bonnici

Apr 25th 2009, 00:47

Is this guy serious? It's enough that university students suffered from another disagreement of MUT with government.... but now... when the school year is almost finished! This won't do any good to the children. I guess Mr Bencini should have thought well about the strike issue before going public with it! Also if the Church has children's well being as their priority (and don't use church schools just as another money making machine) they shouldn't allow for this to happen.... and find an agreement as soon as possible. if not to improve teacher's conditions for the children's sake!

G.Schembri

Apr 25th 2009, 00:37

@ Stefan Sacco - Our children are already suffering! Our children are suffering from the so called reforms made in the education system. The minister should tell parents how many educational psychologists and other support staff it employs and how the money voted for education is being spent on our children's education. How are we preparing for mixed ability classes. How are we parents to measure our children's attainments. Presently we can compare our children's attainment to the national mean when they sit for the JL exams. When these are removed we will only be able to measure such attainment when they sit for their O Levels which will be a bit too late. It is not the teachers who hindering the children's education. Teachers in state schools are working against all odds with little or no resources.
As you well said Mr Bencini is constantly involved with disagreements with the government on everything, Mr Bencini is the same person who cooperated with the same government on many occasions in the past couple of years, but then the same government was not as arrogant as it is today.

Mario Bonnici

Apr 25th 2009, 00:30

@Stefan Sacco
Don't start with suffering and not suffering. Teachers, like every other worker have every right to fight to improve their working conditions.
As Mr Bencini said this issue was raised 14 months ago (at the eve of the General Election). The authorities, then, promised to hold talks and the MUT decided not to take any actions. But now seems that the authorities forgot their promise!!!!

Monica Abela

Apr 25th 2009, 00:09

Bravo Mr. Bencini for having the gumption to stand up for the teachers' rights and do something about it ! The time for dialogue is long past, and I agree wholeheartedly that teachers are not being respected in their profession, not being given adequate resources and the necessary support. As to salary the amount we're grudgingly doled out is pitiful; shame on the government for using the economic situation as an excuse when dealing with educators. Money seems to be no problem when it comes to buying luxury cars for ministers and top echelon officials, lavish entertainment and so on.
What Mr. S. Sacco fails to see is that currently students are suffering because they're not being offered the proper environment and resources which enhance teaching and learning.

Louis Camilleri

Apr 25th 2009, 00:09

Why didn't the teachers strike two weeks ago. Oh wait they had two weeks of for Easter. It is also very convenient that they are going to strike next Thursday, so they can yet again get a four day weekend. This is a real shame. The world is suffering from the worst crash since the 30's and we all seem to want to relax and take as many days off as we can. Making it even worse, we want a raise for it!!

A.Portelli

Apr 25th 2009, 00:08

Mela 30th April STRIKE, next day 1stMay holiday, Saturday and Sunday...a super dooper weekend. X'kumbinazzjoni

J Micallef

Apr 24th 2009, 23:57

The government did not seem to bother about the impact on the economy when it signed three different agreements with huge rises in allowances on the eve of the March 8 2008 election... Neither did it seem to calculate the effect of the economy left by the huge MP salary increases.

Considering that the government has boasted several times that it was going to spend hundreds of millions of euros in building new schools and MCAST, spending 15 million on human resources, that ultimately are needed to make these buidlings function, does not seem to be much of a request.

Maria Cachia

Apr 24th 2009, 23:56

As a teacher, I feel the work is not appreciated and thus not well paid for. Nevertheless, it is most unfair on the students to have a one-day strike few days just before the JL exams. @stephen totally agree.....Colleges are hindering schools from being independent entities focusing on the schools' individual needs. c'mon authority and union.....discuss and come to a sensible agreement!!!! this is the way to set a good example to our students.

R.Gauci

Apr 24th 2009, 23:23

"The ministry described the MUT’s demands as exaggerated and said they led one to doubt whether the union had calculated what their impact would be on the economy".

Did anyone of your collegues calculate what the increase of around 300 euros a week they have got in the last budget( to the already good salary and perks they have) what impact would be on the country's finances and economy dear Minister?!! Or two way two measures?

Phil Zammit

Apr 24th 2009, 23:12

Nearly everyone in Malta in underpaid compared to the EU ...so what shall we all do ... go on strike ?
What a stupid argument.

lorraine barbara

Apr 24th 2009, 23:11

Whilst they may have good reason for this, dont they know its Junior Lyceum exams on the 4th May its a very important time for year 6 children

Stephen Abela

Apr 24th 2009, 22:58

Well done Mr.Bencini ! Teachers in Malta are under paid when compared to other EU countries ! Not to mention the new super idea of the colleges !
But keep it up Mr.Bencini !

Stefan Sacco

Apr 24th 2009, 22:50

The ones who will eventually suffer will be our children. Seems like Mr Bencini is constantly involved with disagreements with the government on everything.