The academic staff of the Institute for Tourism Studies will enjoy higher salaries thanks to a new collective agreement signed this morning between the ITS and the Malta Union of Teachers.

The staff will also enjoy better allowances for administrative duties and overtime.

Lecturers will be off duty in July and August and will have 10 days off over Christmas and Easter.

The concept of core hours has been introduced, with lecturers required to be on campus between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.. Once a week they may be required to work up t 6 p.m.

Education Minister Dolores Cristina was present for the signing.