Administrator:

Frank N. Mallia

Email:

webmaster@mut.org.mt

Last Update:
Wednesday 29/10 09.50

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The MUT General Conference held this year marked an important chapter in the life of the Union, bringing with it a closure of a successful presidency and the auspices of a promising new one. Truly this year has brought with it many challenges for which the Union was well prepared in advance.
The General Conference of the MUT was held on the 30th May, the theme being the transition from primary to secondary education, in line with the anticipated reforms set out to be implemented as from the coming scholastic year. The Key Speaker was Mr. Rizsard Proska, President of Solidarnosc who gave interesting insights from the Polish education system. Far from being solely an in-house affair where administrative and financial reports are brought for the approval of delegates, the MUT General Conference has also evolved and diversified into a forum for discussion of important issues in education. In this vein, the announced research commissioned by the MUT on the College System being ably carried out by Prof Mark Borg and Dr Joseph Giordmaina was very well received by delegates and guests. Moreover, a presentation by B.Ed. (Hons.) students Stephanie Cassar and Ann Marie Formosa on research findings on teacher stress was also very highly commended and received ample attention in the local printed media. Mr. John Bencini, MUT President, delivered the concluding address. In his speech, Mr. Bencini addressed the major challenges faced by the local education sector and highlighted areas which the incoming Council should be particularly attentive of. At the end of his speech, Mr. Bencini was greeted with a standing ovation in recognition of his sterling work as President over the last 15 years.
Mr. John Bencini's term as President of the MUT came to a close in June - at the completion of the MUT Presidential and Council Elections. Over the last fifteen years John Bencini brought the Union closer to its grassroots, expanded its membership base and bolstered the Union into a recognizable national force. Today the MUT's sphere of influence extends beyond the confines of the educational realm and indeed this is largely due to the proactive stands taken within the trade union movement under John Bencini's charismatic leadership. His personal integrity - based upon unwavering principles - coupled to a down to earth and good humored approach earned him the respect even of the toughest critics and skeptics. For sure, John Bencini has left a strong union behind him but his greatest legacy is his moral uprightness and rectitude even throughout adversities. His example will certainly live on.
Mr. Kevin Bonello was elected President at the MUT Council Elections held in June, his election certainly making history in the life of the Union being its youngest-ever President. Having served in the Union Council for a good number of years in leading roles as Vice President and Senior Vice President, Mr. Bonello is certainly well prepared and geared to this challenging role. Apart from his experience in the trade unionism and education, Mr. Bonello brings with him a wealth of experience from various social and cultural organizations in which he had leading roles. His practical management style and organizational skills will certainly be of an asset to the Union, furthering the democratic organization of our union. Immediately following his election, he set himself to task seeing the revitalization of sub-committees in a concentrated effort to garner more participation from the Union's grassroots.
I am confident that the Union is very well geared for the challenges ahead. I am equally certain that the newly elected President, Officials and Council Members are very determined to pursue our members' interests in a honourable yet resolute commitment truly worthy of our capable forerunners.
Thank you John, God bless you Kevin and welcome on board Marco and all newly elected Council Members: Connie, David, Giorgio and Ted! Last - but not least - to each and every member of the Union: Come forward and give us your ideas, feedback and support. This is your Union - it is your right and duty to participate!

• Cover: DUN KARM PSAILA, MALTA'S NATIONAL POET
• We are currently commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the death of our National Poet. In his life-time literary work Dun Karm highlighted all the elements that identify Malta and the Maltese. Being a catholic priest, the catholic faith and religion occupy top priority in his poetry. But his love for everything Maltese rises out very clearly from every verse he wrote.
• EDITORIAL (p.4)
• The General Secretary of the Malta Union of Teachers praises the merits of the out-going President of the MUT, Mr. John Bencini. Then he welcomes in the new President, Mr. Kevin Bonello, whom he describes as having practical management and organizational skills.
• MUT PRESIDENTS (OLD AND NEW) (p.5)
• In this page there is the profile of the new President, Mr. Kevin Bonello, and another profile of the previous incumbent, Mr. John Bencini.
• REFLECTIONS ON FRENCH EDUCATION (p.6)
• Mr. Martin Azzopardi, who teaches Religion and Science at the Verdala Boys' Secondary School, Cospicua, relates his experience when he was on an "Education Mission" in France.
• COMENIUS INDIVIDUAL PUPIL MOBILITY (p.8)
• This is a presentation of one of the programmes of the European Union Programmes Agency. This is an exchange programme, involving students and teachers.
• EXHIBITION ON CHINA (p.10)
• The Verdala Boys' Secondary School this year chose the Republic of China for their annual school exhibition.
• STALWART MALTESE EDUCATORS - Alfred Falzon (p.15)
• Mr. Alfred Falzon was, for a long time, Education Officer of French and German, in the Education Department. During his time Mr. Falzon succeeded in introducing many innovations in the teaching of languages, particularly French.
• IL-VOLONTARJAT! INT TAG}MEL DIFFERENZA! (p. 17)
• L-Unjoni Ewropea ddedikat is-sena 2011 g]all-Vontarjat. Malta qeg]da ti``elebra din is-sena b'g]add ta' attivitajiet, fosthom it-twaqqif tal-Premju Nazzjonali 'Volontier tas-Sena', li se jibda jing]ata kull sena.
• European Legislation built around Workers' Participation (p.19)
• Mr. Anthony Casaru, an MUT Council Member, laments that although European Legislation concerning health and safety at work has been in place for quite some time, the Maltese Government has still not implemented most of its provisions. An example is Safety Representatives in schools.
• ON INJURIES: SOME LEGAL IMPLICATIONS (p.21)
• Dr. Michael Tanti Dougall and Dr. Sarah J,. Scicluna delve somewhat deeply into what Maltese Law contemplates with regards to liabilities when one is involved in a car accident.
• MUT NEWSLETTER
• This is a section dedicated to the MUT's news and views.

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Rising up to ChallengesThe MUT has long established itself as a forward-looking and dynamic trade-union. Over 8,000 members strong, representing educators across the whole spectrum of local education, the MUT is well geared to meet the challenges which lie ahead in the education sector and in the wider industrial field.In the past year the MUT has actively engaged in a process of consolidation of members' working conditions. Apart from negotiating various agreements and memoranda, bettering conditions, the Union vigilantly observed their implementation and rigorously demanded their execution according to the agreed criteria. The latter task has proved as onerous and demanding as the actual process of negotiations. Indeed, a significant part of the Union's work is being devoted to oversee the implementation of agreements against the grain of lengthy bureaucratic procedures. Time and again, however, the Union has been proved right in its assertions and claims; through its sheer insistence and perseverance the desired objectives have been adhered to and finally implemented.The Union's tenacity in pursuing its members' rights and furthering their conditions of work in line with European standards is vastly recognized by all and sundry. The very fact that other allied professionals within the field of education are seeking the protection of the MUT is sure enough evidence of the straight confidence which the Union evokes in all teaching grades and even other educational professionals. The rise in membership is a direct result of the Union being a true representative of its members' rights and interests, concretely summoning the experience of educators into one solid voice. The Union's pivotal role within the trade-unionistic field, espousing the need for greater collaboration between trade unions on both the local and the European level, gives further credit to its trade-unionistic credentials. The MUT recognizes the importance of acting in synchronicity with other unions in order to ensure that its members are accorded the same rights and benefits as their counterparts within the EU. This challenge cannot be braced by the MUT alone, hence its energetic commitment to the FORUM Confederation which is fastly emerging as one of the most active trade union confederations in Malta. The representative structure of the MUT is the cornerstone of its success. The MUT members directly elect its President and Council Members, thereby being directly accountable to the membership. This year marks the end of 2008-2011 Council and shortly Council elections shall take place for the period 2011-2014 wherein each and every paid-up member of the MUT will have the right to elect the new President and Council. Indeed the end of this Council's term will draw a close to an important era in the life of the MUT, an era of growth and accomplishments.In this regard, whilst auguring all the candidates well for the elections, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing President and Council Members for their invaluable work on behalf of the Union. It is only fitting that special gratitude goes to Mr. John Bencini who - together with fellow Union Officials and Council Members - has set a firm foundation for the Union to rise up to any challenge. Mr. John Bencini has been President of the MUT since 1996 and during these 15 years he has dedicated all his energy to this Union. I think I am enjoined by all MUT members in thanking Mr. Bencini for his life-time commitment to the MUT and the personal sacrifice which this demanding commitment entailed. Much can be written and will certainly be written about Mr. Bencini as MUT President and as a leading trade unionist. For us, at the MUT, Mr. Bencini was not simply our President, but a firm reference point, a bulwark of integrity and decisiveness. The MUT is indebted to Mr. Bencini. I am sure that the MUT has been well-prepared for all the challenges ahead: Thank you, Mr. President!

• Cover: Abstract by Antonio Mifsud
  Mifsud was born in 1977. He received primary education in art under Dr. G. Mallia. Then he was tutored for nine years by the internationally recognised sculptor Chev. A. Camilleri Cauchi. He attended a course in camera techniques and television production. He also attended short term courses in interior design. Mifsud's work includes monumental and sacred sculptures, figurative and abstract paintings, scenographic designs for theatre stages and television studios, and posters. He is also an artistic director and script writer for television and radio productions.
• Editorial (p.4)
  The MUT General Secretary, Mr. Franklin Barbara, writes that the Malta Union of Teachers' track record is known and appreciated by everybody. Whilst reminding that the actual Council's term is nearing its end, he acknowledges that these last three years were characterised with constant growth and successive accomplishments. He concludes the Editorial by thanking the out-going President of the MUT, Mr. John Bencini, who dedicated 15 years for the welfare of the MUT membership.
• Teaching Religion Through Music (p.5)
  The Christian Faith is characterised by joy and happiness. This should make music a very important ingredient in Christian education. Since Christian education must be concerned with the whole person, including his/her emotions and intellect, music is important because it appeals to the whole person.
• Europe 2020: What's in it for us? (p.7)
  Dr. Chetcuti writes about the aims of the Lisbon Agenda of 2000, and the 'Europe 2000' and the local 'Vision 2015' strategies. He writes that these strategies have one common aim: that all young people shall have better opportunities to find a job, and to train and work abroad.
• Agenzija Zghazagh (p.9)
  This newly-established Agency was officially presented to young people and Youth Organisations on the 5th. February 2011. It had been envisaged last year in the National Youth Policy.
• Kif Sirt Naf Lil Antonio Galea (p.10)
  Matrenza relates how he came to befriend Antonio Galea, who was one of the Founder-Members of the Malta Union of Teachers. What brought these two people together was their keen and life-time interest in books and reading.
• Kumitat tal-Gozo Retired Teachers' Association (p.15)
  This article passes on information about the Committee of this Association, and about its first activities.
  Maltese Association of Science Educators
  The Association's Fifth Year of Activity (p.16)
  The author traces the achievements and successes of this Organisation with an inspiration for excellence in science.
• NUMICON - A Clear Image For Mathematics (p.18)
  A somewhat lengthy article by Ms. Gatt, of INSPIRE, about the 'Numicon' approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics. It includes teachers' feedback about its effectivenes.
• 40 Years in Employment with the MUT (p.21)
  Mrs. Doris Camilleri, the MUT's Administrative Secretary, has been working with the MUT for the past 40 years. 'The Teacher' has interviewed her about her experiences.
• The Rights of the Consumers: How to Complain
  Whenever a customer has a complaint to make he is advised to complain assertively, but never aggressively.
  
• MUT Newsletter
  This is a section dedicated to the MUT's news and views. In this issue it includes an Index of items published in 'The Teacher' No.82 to No.100

The Unions' RoleThe general public by and large tends to associate trade unions with collective bargaining and little else. This perception is largely based upon the extensive media coverage of events where collective agreements are signed and thus other important functions of trade unions are generally ignored to the detriment of the workforce and society at large. This trend however, has not affected Union membership.The Maltese workforce is highly unionized by western standards. Infact, more than 62% of the workforce is organized within the trade union movement. Union membership has increased steadily over the last twenty years, contrary to trends in other countries, especially in Europe were a decline has been registered over the last thirty years. In this respect, the Maltese workforce seems to appreciate the advantage of unionization and hence greater information on the role of trade unions might also serve to improve the present scenario.The European Trade Union Confederation lists two main reasons for the decline in unionization. "This drop is due largely to the decline of sectors which were at the heart of trade unionism, such as heavy industries like mining and steel making. There are also cultural reasons: young people, migrants and private sector employees are less inclined to join a union." The latter reason is of great significance to a union such as the MUT, whose sector is characterized by a relatively young workforce. Young employees are more vulnerable to exploitation resulting out of their lack of experience, something which may be rectified through unionization. Trade unions perform a multiplicity of functions besides collective bargaining. In the broadest sense trade unions are agencies of workers' representation - both at the collective and the individual level. Trade unions and their officials negotiate on behalf of members, advocate individual cases as well as monitor work-place situations especially vis-à-vis procedural and health and safety issues. Moreover, trade unions are also assuming fastly assuming other roles akin to consultancy and mediation services. Within the ambit of the European Union, trade unions are considered as a major stake holder together with Government or Authorities and Employer Associations, thereby their role as workers' representatives is officially recognized. Fortunately, Malta is blessed with an active trade union movement. Recent developments in the local field of trade unionism indicate that trade union movement is increasingly seeking to develop its sphere of activity at par with that of our European counterparts. The MUT has had a leading role in all this with its call for greater collaboration between trade unions and the formation of a Trade Union Council. Within the fold of the Forum Trade Unions Maltin, it is also contributing to this organization's quest for membership within the Malta Council for Social and Economic Development as well as within the European Trade Union Council (ETUC). These important platforms will definitely contribute to the sphere of influence of all the unions concerned.Stable labour markets and decent working conditions are by and large the result of trade-unionistic activity. Concerted efforts by trade unions will certainly serve to promote further progress. Amongst Maltese workers there is a significant trust in trade unions. Through our endeavours and sphere of activities let us augment this trust for the benefit of all. The Malta Union of Teachers has done more than its fair share in this regard. Hopefully, goodwill and a greater progress will triumph!References: Evolving industrial relations in Malta, G Baldacchino, S Rizzo and E Zammit, Malta: Agenda in collaboration with Workers' Participation Development Centre, 2003; and Conflict resolution mechanisms in Malta, E Zammit, paper presented at workshop on'Social dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms: conciliation, mediation, arbitration in Estonia, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Slovenia', held in Prague, 29-31 October 2003.

Editorial of The Teacher Magazine 1/2010 (April) No. 98:

Education in Malta is in dire straits. The past three decades or so have been characterized by cycles of one reform after another. Yet the powers-that-be conveniently seem not to fathom that real progress cannot be registered until educators are given due acknowledgement of their professional status, in tangible form.

A few months ago the MUT was celebrating its ninety years of activity. Since its inception the Union strived to instate teachers in a dignified place of society. The founders of the Union, way back in 1919, were fully aware that no real progress can be attained in education unless teachers are put on secure socio-economic ground. From its very foundation, the Union's raison d'etre was geared to secure for teachers a rightful place in Maltese society.

We must acknowledge that over the years significant progress has been registered in local education. Over a century illiteracy has decreased dramatically. Over the last two and a half decades participation in post-secondary and tertiary education has risen steadily, contributing directly in both quantitative and qualitative terms, to the professions and high-skilled trades. Yet there are many challenges which have not been met. Illiteracy has not been stamped out completely and the retention of students in tertiary education is way below that of our European counterparts. Even more worrying is the rate of absenteeism from compulsory education and the kind of social problems afflicting our students, which educators have to put up with - and work through - day in, day out.

On 17th July 2007 the Malta Union of Teachers signed an Agreement on State Education with the Government of Malta. The Union described the agreement as historic one - not because there were any significant ameliorations to financial allowances to teaching grades - but because it provided for the setting up of adequate student support services: a must in our present social reality. A couple of weeks later, the same government signed various agreements in the health sector which were likewise intended to reform this other key social sector. The increases in financial allowances in the latter agreements created a great disparity between the two sectors: reform in one sector attracted significant increases ( and rightly so), whilst in the other the increases were minimal. Since then the MUT has incessantly appealed to Government to address this anomaly, and to give all teaching grades their due. How on earth can the state education system be expected to sustain a reform after another when teaching grades are not financially sustained? How can a reform take life if the very key persons involved are left unrecognized and berefit of financial dues?

Three years down the line, the authorities have not denied themselves to address this crass unjustice with the education class. To make matters worse even the rate of implementation of the support services contemplated has been dead slow. Educators still have to work with inadequate psycho-social support for students. All this piles up stress one educators who have to shoulder all the ailments and malaise whcih their students bring to the classroom, almost single-handedly. The conditions of work are thus unbecoming of professionals, and the whole working scenario verges on the unbearable. The educational bureaucracy is supplying the lethal dose to an already comatose system though delays in progressions, assimilation and appointments of various grades, denying timely rendition of hard-earned dues.

This situation is no longer sustainable. It has become patently obvious that teaching grades are being expected to work more, with minimal professional and administrative support and no financial compensation. This is not simply a case of being taken for granted - this is plain exploitation. The MUT has exhausted all means to resolve these problems with the authorities and yet the latter continue to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear. Continued improvement in education cannot take place by piling more responsibilities without adequate support and financial compensation. No real progress can take place in an educational system which simply takes advantage of and exploits the educator. The MUT is resolute in its endeavour. This attitude of confined indifference to the plight of teaching grades has to stop once and for all. Now is the time for decisive action.

• Milestones in the Education Community: The Maltese Association of Science Educators
• Language and Modern Economy
• The MUT Pictorial Record
• Youth Work
• Youths Greet Pope Benedict at Valletta Waterfront
• The Global Crisis
• Innovators in Maltese Education
• The Rights of the Consumer
• MUT Newsletter

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Tel: +356 21237815
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Fax:+356 21244074

Email: info@mut.org.mt

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President

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president@mut.org.mt

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+356 99458134

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Vice President

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svpresident@mut.org.mt

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General Sec

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gensec@mut.org.mt

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