The GWU said today that it was joining the Malta Union of Teachers in condemning what it said was the Curia’s ‘attempt to introduce discriminatory procedures in the selection of new employees and promotions’ in Church schools.
The union said the Curia’s proposals breached labour laws and the Constitution, which did not permit discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, political or religious beliefs.
The union was referring to a document issued by the Curia last week. In a statement on Tuesday the Curia said this was a draft that was subject to an ongoing process of internal consultation within the Church and its school authorities.
"We reserve our comments until this process is duly and freely concluded and the local Church is in a position to make public its official policies regarding its schools in view of their spiritual and religious identity and mission, in full respect of the fundamental human rights," the Curia said.
The MUT had complained that the confidential document would reportedly preclude staff members who "do not adhere in their substantive life-choices to the teachings of the Catholic Church" from being selected to top school posts as well as other identified positions. The document also reportedly made it incumbent upon the individual employee to self-report if he/she enters into such life-choices and also invites prying into the private lives of church schools employees.
The GWU said it was still concerned that somebody could have prepared such a document and presented it for discussion.
While it was understandable that the Curia wanted its schools to convey certain values and beliefs, one could not understand the attempted interference in the teaching profession.
The union said it condemned the proposal where employees could be forced to resign over circumstances in their private lives, such as separation or parenthood outside marriage.