Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530669
4 NEWS 4 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 18 DECEMBER 2024 MARIANNA CALLEJA mcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 In a speech during the demon- stration, the MUT criticised the lack of action from both MCAST and the Ministry of Education, claiming that critical decisions had been left in limbo for far too long. The union ac- cused the authorities of refusing to prioritise the agreement, de- spite the importance of the edu- cators' work. The union expressed par- ticular frustration with Joyce Cassar, who recently entered the negotiations. At the last meeting, Cassar reportedly an- nounced that decisions had been made and rejected all re- maining proposals. The union questioned whether external pressures were influencing the negotiation process. MUT representatives em- phasised the role of MCAST educators, highlighting their wide-ranging duties, including teaching, guiding students, as- sessing work, providing pastoral care, preparing labs and work- shops, and supporting students in workplace learning. The union condemned re- cent negative narratives against MCAST educators, calling such rhetoric an insult to their tire- less efforts and dedication. MUT President Marco Bonn- ici delivered a direct appeal to Education Minister Clifton Gri- ma, urging him to take respon- sibility for the stalled agreement and the conditions of MCAST staff. The union outlined multiple concerns, including: • Frequent changes in nego- tiators: The government reportedly replaced five lead negotiators in three years. • Leadership dismiss- als: The removal of the MCAST Principal and President this summer, allegedly related to the agreement. • Quality of education: Significant reductions in teaching hours per unit, which the MUT argued negatively impacts stu- dents' learning. The MUT also raised concerns about the reluctance of new MCAST leadership to engage in negotiations, citing reported legal threats made toward the union when the new Principal was appointed. Despite their frustrations, the union reiterated their readiness to return to the negotiating ta- ble and work collaboratively to finalise the agreement. Bonn- ici warned, however, that the three-year delay has already left a mark on educators' morale, calling it a "dark period" in their professional lives. In response to the protest, the Ministry of Education has yet to issue an official statement. The MUT has vowed to continue advocating for its members un- til a fair agreement is reached. Disgruntled MUT takes collective agreement concerns to Ministry NATIONALIST Party MEP Pe- ter Agius stated his primary fo- cus in the European Parliament will be on issues directly affect- ing Malta, rather than broader geopolitical matters such as Syr- ia, Ukraine, or the Middle East. Speaking during a call on TVM's Xtra while travelling to Strasbourg from Brussels, Agius made it clear that his role is to defend Malta's interests within the European framework. "I am here to ensure that, with- in the entire scope of Europe, Malta's interests are safeguard- ed, and let me be clear, no one should be insulted, but when it comes to issues like Syria, the Middle East, or Ukraine, I'll leave those for others to work on. I will focus on Malta," Agius said. Agius highlighted several chal- lenges Malta is facing, including EU negotiations on energy tax- ation and the EU's next Budget, both of which could have signif- icant economic implications for the country. He also pointed to the need for Malta to secure EU funds and ensure opportunities, particular- ly for young people. Agius further emphasised the importance of the European Un- ion's 2025 programme, describ- ing it as a key opportunity that Malta must not miss. "The main thing I'm looking forward to is the European Un- ion's program, and that is where our focus should be," he said. While acknowledging his role in voting on macro-level poli- cies, Agius stated that his main focus remains on practical, day- to-day concerns that directly im- pact Maltese citizens. On this note, the newly elect- ed PN MEP mentioned his ini- tiative with construction victim Jean Paul Sofia. Jean Paul Sofia's mother, Isa- belle Bonnici, urged the Euro- pean Union, last week, to take action that could force Malta to publish building codes. Organised by Agius, the Eu- ropean Parliament roundtable honouring victims of construc- tion in Malta, saw Isabelle Bon- nici making an emotional appeal for action to avoid another fatal construction accident. Peter Agius says his work at EP will focus on Malta rather than international matters PN MEP Peter Agius