The Malta Union of Teachers has declared an industrial dispute with the government over supply teachers, Kindergarten Assistants and Learning Support Assistants who have been in employment for more than four years.

It explained that on May 26 last year, the government had signed an agreement to give an indefinite contract to such supply employees. These workers could then progress up the relative pay scales.

The union said this agreement had not been kept and the employees had not yet receiving anything in writing confirming that indefinite employment status. Neither had they received the first increment, due last week.

The union said this was nothing other than bureaucracy and lack of appreciation and respect by the authorities to these workers.