Teachers members of the Malta Union of Teachers on Thursday morning reported at work one hour late in state, private and Church schools, acting on their union’s directive issued in protest at the lack of security in schools.
MaltaMedia News can reveal that the absolute majority of teachers adhered to the directive. Students who went to school by school transport as usual found the school gates closed while others went to school an hour late.
The Ministry of Education had insisted that in spite of the directive, Thursday was going to a normal school day and that heads of schools had the responsibility to see that the school gates are opened on time. It added that school transport will also operate as usual. The division explained that it is not possible for those providing transport to change their schedule.
This attracted MUT’s considered the ministry’s statement as a challenge and intimidation on head of schools who are members of the union and therefore covered by the directive.
MUT’s industrial action is being supported by other unions, especially the CMTU and the GWU, the latter representing caretakers and other ancillary staff in schools.
MUT’s action was prompted by a recent spate of physical assaults on teachers from parents and students in several schools across the country. The union insists the Ministry of Education is not taking the necessary steps to safeguard the security of teachers.
See also:
More acts of violence in schools
by MaltaMedia news - Mar 16, 2006, 15:36
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