Education Minister denies ‘threatening’ MCAST directors and deputy directors

Education Minister Dolores Cristina has denounced a report carried on Maltastar.com as "a blatant lie" and has denied threatening directors and deputy directors at MCAST to sign a definite contract.

According to Maltastar.com six directors, the Registrar and nine deputy directors have asked for their jobs and working conditions to be regularized. "All of their contracts, except two, expired 18 months ago. Education Minister Dolores Cristina and MCAST want them to sign a definite contract. If they do not, they have been threatened there will be no increase in salary for them," Maltastar.com reported.

But Minister Cristina has insisted the Education Ministry "is in consultation with the Principal of MCAST and the President of the Board of Governors to ensure that a satisfactory conclusion regarding the contracts of the Directors and Deputy Directors is reached in as short time as possible".

Standing by its story, Maltastar.com said it "is pleased to note that finally the minister has woken up after allowing these contracts to expire 18 months ago and is seeking a solution to the problem. Better late than never. She has sinned by omission so far."

"Maltastar.com is glad that MCAST is reconsidering its position and is ready to improve the working conditions and salaries of these MCAST officials without resorting to threats."