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.
