The Malta Union of Teachers has urged the government to remove discrepancies in the tax computation of teachers, allow workers who retire early to work part-time without losing their pension, and respect the ‘right to disconnect’.

In proposals for the forthcoming Budget, the union said educators employed by the state are taxed at a higher rate when providing services to MATSEC, the university. MCAST, ITS, or IFE compared to those employed by church or independent schools. This was discouraging many from giving their service and should be revised.

The union also pointed out that despite the official retirement age of 65, employees may choose to retire earlier as long as they have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions. It said that those who choose to retire before the official retirement age should be allowed to work part-time for a limited number of hours without missing out on their pension. This would contribute to the workforce, especially in sectors where it is difficult to find the required personnel, such as education. “One has to consider the fact that at that age, health issues might arise which make it difficult to commit to full-time employment,” it said.

The MUT called for insurance cover to be provided to public service employees, as is the case with many public and private entities.

It called for more in-service training during working hours and a better work environment, particularly in places which still lack air conditioning and proper maintenance. 

The union also called for mandatory measures on a national level to uphold and safeguard the Maltese language. “Maltese should be the primary means of communication in all public institutions. All activities must be held in Maltese with the use of English or other languages if required. All signage in all public places must also be in Maltese,” it said.

“Furthermore, all employees should be provided with mandatory cultural and linguistic integration opportunities which include the learning of Maltese.”

A study should also be commissioned to evaluate the effect of foreign students in schools, it said.

On the building of new schools, the union said educational institutions should not be built outside development zones. “The education sector needs to lead by example in safeguarding the limited undeveloped or rural land available in our islands.”

The union also stressed the right to disconnect. “The Maltese Government should be a pioneer in enacting policies and/or legislation to safeguard the work-life balance of all employees, without waiting for the EU to legislate it. In the absence, the negative effect on the wellbeing of employees is evident. An enforcement framework is also necessary to reach the requested implementation,” it said.