Pulse launches process towards second edition of its EARB’s reaction to the Pre-Budget Document

In light of the publication of the Pre-Budget Document by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna this morning, Pulse is immediately launching a process with the aim of issuing a holistic document entailing the students’ reaction and vision, managed and compiled by the organisation’s Economic Affairs Review Board (EARB).

This shall be the second time running that such a document is compiled by Pulse, with this year’s aim being that of achieving the widest-possible consensus among the student body about the salient points of the Pre-Budget Document, in order for the reaction to more far-reaching and representative of students’ interests. For this reason, the EARB shall be conducting several consultation sessions with student organisations and representatives in order to obtain the opinion of the different categories of students attending a variety of institutions around the islands. 

Furthermore, this year’s document is expected to be the organisation’s most detailed position yet, with the EARB having already started a thorough study on the concept, implementation, and socio-economic impact of some of the Government’s most important measures announced during the past year. This shall provide a comprehensive background to the vision presented in this year’s Pre-Budget Document.

In order to further extend the consultation process with the student population, Pulse is also encouraging all those wanting to submit their opinions and ideas on the Pre-Budget Document to send an email on info@pulse.org.mt by September 30th, 2014.

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Pulse welcomes important development towards a sustainable solution to parking problems at University

Pulse welcomes the news that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) gave its approval to the development and extension of the University of Malta premises, with the inclusion of a significant addition of parking spaces through an underground car park. 

For the past years, Pulse has been an active participant in the ongoing discussion regarding the need to find long-term solutions to the parking problems which have been plaguing our University for too long, causing distress and inconvenience to hundreds of students every day. Pulse had also reacted positively to the Government’s electoral pledge to invest in a multi-storey car park in order to help tackle the problem. 

However, while recognising that this latest news presents some hope for future solutions, we continue to call upon the University administration to consider other short-and-medium-term measures in order to combat this problem which is set to resurface once students return to their daily lecture routine come October.

Furthermore, Pulse insists that measures aiming to essentially reduce the flow of traffic at University are to be encouraged, including incentives related to bike use, car pooling, and an efficient and reliable public transport network.

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Deadlines should be respected and students’ interests safeguarded

Following yesterday’s informal communication between Pulse President Matthew Zerafa and UMASA President Professor Matthew Montebello, the organisation this morning held a formal meeting with Prof. Montebello, where both parties had the opportunity to discuss the current situation and the way forward, with the ultimate aim of resolving the deadlock in negotiations and the possible repercussions on students. Through this meeting Pulse continued to strengthen the channels of negotiations with UMASA, which the organisation believes is essential in helping to resolve the dispute.

During the meeting, Prof. Montebello clarified UMASA’s position and its commitment to have the issue resolved at the shortest possible time period and without repercussions on the student population, including issues concerning examination results. Prof. Montebello further explained that negotiations between UMASA and the Ministry for Education and Employment shall be resuming on Tuesday 22nd July, through a meeting to be held with Mr. Noel Vella (DIER). In light of this development, UMASA is hopeful that the issue would be resolved by then, and that subsequently the deadlines established by the current Collective Agreement will be respected.

Pulse firmly believes that solutions are to be found through a process of discussion in which students are strongly at the forefront. The link which Pulse has established serves this very purpose, and ensures that students are given the importance they rightfully deserve in the ongoing process. For this reason, Pulse shall be closely monitoring the situation and actively encouraging that a solution to the impasse is found by Tuesday. Should this not occur however, Pulse does not exclude taking all necessary measures to safeguard the inalienable rights of students.

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Pulse requests assurance that industrial actions will not affect results publication.

Pulse has been following the developments concerning the industrial dispute between UMASA and MUT and the Ministry for Education and Employment. Unfortunately, now that the dispute has been reactivated, Pulse feels that students have the right to be given clear assurances that they will not be adversely affected in their academic experience. 

For this reason, Pulse has communicated with all stakeholders involved, asking that commitments in this regard are provided, in particular concerning the publication of Junior College and University examination results. We hope that all parties will provide an answer in the coming hours, for the sake of ensuring that the level of education provided remain untouched by such disputes.

Pulse also urges all stakeholders to resume discussions with the aim of striking a long-term and feasible solution which would benefit educators and students alike.

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