The Ministry of Education this afternoon hit out at the Malta Union of Teachers for ordering industrial action by teachers, saying the directives were issued even though it had offered talks on a revision of the 2007 collective agreement.
The ministry also pointed out that the directives were issued even though a government meeting with all trade unions would be held on Friday to discuss the recent report on compensation given to the various sectors of the civil service.
The ministry said there had been an improvement in the salaries are allowances given to teachers in the past five years.
Teachers five years ago used to take home €15,720 in salaries and allowances. That had since increased to €22,027.
The ministry said it acknowledged that some positions, such as Head of School and Assistant Head, deserved better compensation in view of their responsibilities.
The ministry also criticised the fact that the MUT had told kindergarten assistants and learning support assistants, among others, not to wash and clean toys and other materials used by the children in class - this despite the emphasis on H1 N1 this year.
Such directives, the ministry said, could endanger children's heatlh.
See also
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100125/local/mut