The role of a teachers' union in the national educational system

Abstract

The birth of the Malta Union of Teachers (M.U.T) in 1919, was the direct result of' the widespread industrial grievances of Elementary School Teachers. It is therefore not surprising that the Union's founders were primarily concerned with eliminating as much of the dissatisfaction shared by Teachers as possible. However, it soon became obvious that the Union had another equally important role to play - an educational one. This Dissertation sets out to relate and examine the M.U.T's consistent efforts to improve the working conditions of Teachers, to raise their professional status and to win for itself a voice in national educational policy. The setbacks faced by the Union and the degree to which they were overcome are also discussed. The M.U.T's above-mentioned efforts were also influenced by developments overseas, especially in the United Kingdom. The Union affiliated with the National Union of Teachers in Britain, sought membership in International Organizations of Teachers' Unions and utilised such contacts to broaden its own outlook as well as to advocate necessary local educational reforms in teacher training and a general expansion of education