Teachers' union concerned about proposed education reforms

The Maltese government has announced a radical plan to reform the management of the schools system. In October 2004, the Malta Union of Teachers alleged that it was not properly consulted before these plans were made public, and expressed concern about issues such as a possible deterioration in teachers’ working conditions.

Malta’s state school system is highly centralised. The government’s Education Division has the dual role of serving as a regulator of all educational institutions and as an operator of state schools. About two-thirds of pupils attend state schools and the other third attend church schools (aided by government grants) and private schools. At the age of 11, pupils have to sit for national competitive exams that determine which secondary school they will attend. This system has been the target of criticism as the sizable number who do not pass this examination are channelled into schools where, it is claimed, 'demotivation' towards learning tends to be very high. The state of affairs in these types of schools seems to have been a main thrust for a current government plan to regenerate the state education system. The Minister of Education has said that the proposed reforms are part of an effort to ensure the quality of education, reduce bureaucracy, increase schools’ autonomy, and improve students’ transitions from one educational level to another.

The reform will lead to the division of Maltese state schools into seven clusters, each of which will be presided over by a board of governors. The Education Division will relinquish its role of operator while retaining that of regulator. The Malta Labour Party (MLP), the opposition party, is in favour of reforms in the education sector. However, MLP has warned against the side-effects of the fragmentation of services, such as the creation of new bodies which would increase expenses and diminish efficiency.

The government's proposals have drawn criticism from the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT), Malta’s third-largest union (with 5,839 members in 2003 - MT0404102F), which represents all teaching grades in the state and non-state sectors from kindergarten to university. In 2003, the Minister of Education held informal meetings with MUT officials at which he disclosed the government’s aim to introduce some reforms in the education sector. MUT was irritated that after the meetings, the government made official statements without, the union claimed, any consultation. MUT believes that, with its long experience, it can provide a useful contribution to reforming the education sector.

During a rally held on 23 October 2004, MUT expressed its concern about the idea of creating school clusters. MUT stated that it would not accept reforms that would lead to the privatisation of state schools, the dismantling of the Education Division or a deterioration in teachers’ working conditions (for example, through an increased workload). In a press release issued on 25 October, MUT declared that it is in favour of changes that would make the school system more efficient and effective. However, it questioned the need to change the management of schools and stated that money would better be spent on the education of students and to support the existing school system. MUT insisted that the government must clarify its aims. It declared that it will not accept any reforms without serious consultation. The MUT president was quoted in newspapers as stating that 'consultation does not mean information sessions; there must be a measure of negotiation'.

The Minister of Education denied that reforms were being carried out behind MUT’s back, claiming that the union has been kept informed throughout the process. He also denied that he aimed to privatise state education.