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MUT suspends directives at MCAST as two sides agree to continue negotiations
The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) has suspended its industrial action at MCAST following an agreement on the path forward towards a new collective agreement. After weeks of disruptions, both parties have set a negotiation schedule. Consequently, MUT has lifted the directive preventing staff from inputting student marks. The action began on May 10 due to stalled talks, and a similar situation had occurred in January. This week, a second agreement was also reached between the government and MUT regarding a sectoral agreement, with a vote scheduled next week. Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed satisfaction with the progress, and students are relieved to finally receive their results.
More than one-third of the population receives social security benefits
According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), over one-third of the population received social security benefits in 2022. Specifically, 190,000 individuals (35%) received an average of €6,000 each. The Southern Harbour district had the highest proportion of recipients at 43%, while the Northern district had the lowest at 30%. Mdina had the highest local council proportion at 55%, and Swieqi the lowest at 21%. Nearly half of the beneficiaries (49%) received old-age benefits, totaling 92,000 claimants. Disability benefits were claimed by 2% of the population, with Żejtun having the highest proportion (4%). Total social security spending was €1.13 billion. In the EU, social spending averaged 26% of GDP, with Malta spending 16%.
Media pluralism in Malta at critical risk, EU report warns
A report by the Media Pluralism Monitor highlights serious concerns about media freedom and pluralism in Malta, with key indicators showing high risks. The study places Malta between medium and high risk for media pluralism, noting concerning scores in Fundamental Protection (37%), Market Plurality (74%), Political Independence (84%), and Social Inclusiveness (67%). It warns that current structures marginalize civil society and opposition, urging significant reforms to prevent further decline. The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) criticized the government for delaying protective legislation for journalists, despite recommendations from a public inquiry into Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination. The report, conducted with researcher Daiva Repeckaite, underscores the urgent need for media reforms to align with EU standards.
*Morning Briefing
Man electrocuted to death in St Julian’s
A man died after receiving an electric shock while assembling scaffolding in St Julian’s on Thursday. The police reported that the accident occurred at 11:30 am on Manuel Dimech Street. The victim, a 31-year-old Somali resident of Qormi, passed away shortly after being admitted to the hospital. A magisterial inquiry and an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority are currently underway. (Maltatoday)
Delays on Gozo ferries after impromptu strike
Hundreds of passengers experienced lengthy delays for the Gozo ferries on Thursday due to a sudden strike by mooring men. Some drivers and passengers reported waiting up to two hours in their cars under the scorching sun, with ferries arriving at the harbour and then turning back. The frustration grew as Gozo Channel did not provide explanations for the delays. Around 2:30 pm, one ferry departed from Ċirkewwa while two others remained docked. Observers in Gozo reported seeing passengers fainting from the heat while waiting at Mġarr harbour. (Times of Malta)
MUT, Government reach agreement on second collective agreement draft
The Malta Union of Teachers will be presenting to its members a second draft of a collective agreement it has reached with the government, in the hope that this time this will be the final step before the agreement is signed. The members will be asked to vote on it next week, weeks after a first draft had not been welcomed and forced the union to stop the voting process and return to the negotiating table. During the election campaign, an agreement had been announced but it was later put on hold as teachers expressed their reservations on what the two sides had agreed. (The Malta Independent)
