State childcare centres could experience overwhelming staff shortages next month owing to a massive exodus caused by poor working conditions, the teachers’ union is warning.

MUT president Kevin Bonello told Times of Malta that as many as three quarters of childminders employed in government centres are seeking alternative employment, with many expected to leave next month.

“The conditions are miserable and this is forcing employees to seek other jobs. For instance, I just received a call informing me that seven out of eight childminders employed at one particular centre will probably not be there in a few weeks’ time. What will happen then?” 

Mr Bonello said he had received several complaints related to the employees’ wages, with claims of being paid less than part-time Skolasajf workers despite working on a full-time basis. Others had complained of erratic shifts, with irregular starting times that had not been the case until a few months ago.

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