The Malta Union of Teachers and the University of Malta Academic Staff Association said this afternoon they will be partially lifting their industrial action at the university so that final year undergraduate students can be given their exam results.

The unions earlier today attended a conciliation meeting with the University and Government negotiation team, in the presence of the Director of Industrial Relations and Employment.

"The unions declared that as a sign of goodwill, they would be lifting partially the directive on the submission of the academic year results, where final year undergraduate students were concerned, irrespective of the outcome of the meeting."

The unions are in dispute with the government over a new collective agreement.

They said they attended the meeting today fully expecting to be presented with the long overdue counter-proposals from the University.

"Unfortunately, the University has continued to withhold its proposals from the academic staff representatives, and no further progress could be registered during the meeting.

"Notwithstanding the negative outcome of the meeting, UMASA and MUT have decided to lift the union directives in connection with the publication of the results of final year undergraduate students. The unions however advise the academic staff to be on the alert for further advice and/or instructions."