The ongoing MCAST dispute over the delayed Collective Agreement has sparked concern from both the Partit Nazzjonalista (PN) and MCAST students, who are feeling the strain of ongoing disruptions.

In a recent statement, the PN condemned the government’s three-year delay in addressing the agreement, which, they argue, has left educators and students in an “unacceptable” state of limbo.

With the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) enforcing directives, the PN emphasised the impact on students’ educational experiences and called on the government to lead with transparency and commitment to resolve the issue.

Students, meanwhile, voiced increasing frustration over how the delays have disrupted their studies, especially under the MUT directives. One student detailed the consequences: exams have been cancelled, grades withheld, and assignment approvals delayed, making it unclear whether students can progress academically.

This uncertainty has been particularly hard for final-year students facing critical thesis deadlines.

“Students are being left in the dark,” the student explained, noting that Kunsill Studenti MCAST’s (KSM) portrayal of the situation misrepresents students’ urgent need for clarity on their academic status, not simply released marks.

They stressed solidarity with lecturers, who are rightfully seeking fair compensation, and placed responsibility for the issue on the government and MCAST’s leadership. Both PN and students demand swift government action to prevent further setbacks to students’ education and future.

#MaltaDaily