Junior College Lecturers: “Enough is Enough” as Talks Stall

In the heart of Msida, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) campus buzzes with life, yet behind the scenes, a storm is brewing. Junior college lecturers, the backbone of Malta’s tertiary education, are at their wits’ end. They’ve had enough of stalled negotiations over their collective agreement, and they’re ready to take action.

Years of Neglect

For years, junior college lecturers have been toiling away, their salaries and working conditions stagnant despite the crucial role they play in shaping Malta’s future. The last collective agreement was signed in 2017, and since then, talks have been nothing but a merry-go-round, with no concrete progress.

Dr. Joseph Falzon, President of the University of Malta Academic Staff Association (UMASA), which also represents MCAST lecturers, echoes the frustration. “We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin. We’re not asking for the moon; we’re asking for fair compensation and decent working conditions.”

Talks Break Down

The latest round of talks between the lecturers’ representatives and the government broke down last month. The lecturers are seeking a 7% increase in their salaries, among other improvements. The government, however, has offered a mere 3%, a figure lecturers deem insultingly low.

“We’re not just fighting for ourselves,” says Dr. Falzon. “We’re fighting for the future of Maltese education. If we’re not valued, how can we expect our students to value education?”

Action on the Horizon

With talks at an impasse, lecturers are considering industrial action. They’ve already held a series of meetings, with more planned for the coming weeks. The mood is grim but determined, with lecturers vowing to do whatever it takes to secure a fair deal.

Dr. Falzon warns, “We don’t want to disrupt classes, but if that’s what it takes to get the government’s attention, then so be it. Our students deserve better, and we’re going to fight for them.”

As the sun sets over the Msida Creek, the MCAST campus falls silent, but the tension remains. The lecturers’ fight is far from over. They’re ready to make some noise, ready to make their voices heard. After all, they’ve got nothing left to lose.