Common use of General Conditions and Obligations Clause in Contracts

General Conditions and Obligations. 4.1 The provisions of this Agreement, together with the following documents, currently in force, any subsequent revision in force from time to time and any other documents emanating there from: • the Collective Agreement, in force from time to time, for Employees in the Public Service signed between the Government and the Unions to which the MUT is also signatory; • the Agreement between the Education Division and the Malta Union of Teachers on a new working schedule for teaching grades at Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx Higher Secondary School signed on 15th October 2004; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Malta and the Malta Union of Teachers regulating Supply Teachers, Supply Kindergarten Assistants, and Supply Learning Support Assistants dated 26th May 2009; • the Side Letter to the Agreement between the Government and the Malta Union of Teachers for Paid Study Leave signed on 9th March 2015; • the Letter regarding Maternity Leave dated 9th March 2015; • the Agreement between the Government and the Malta Union of Teachers pertaining to the Students Services Support Grades within the Directorate for Educational Services signed on 10th June 2015; • the Agreement signed between the Government of Malta and the Malta Union of Teachers to facilitate mobility for educators between licensed schools signed on 29th July 2015; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education and the Directorate for Educational Services and the Malta Union of Teachers on the Implementation of the eLearning Platform (iLearn Virtual Learning Environment – VLE) in Primary Schools dated 18th October 2012 ; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education and the Directorate for Educational Services and the Malta Union of Teachers on the Implementation of the eLearning Platform (iLearn Virtual Learning Environment – VLE) in Secondary and Post-Secondary Schools dated 27th November 2013; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Malta Union of Teachers on the use of ICT peripherals for the enhancement of teaching and learning dated 18th January 2016; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Malta Union of Teachers on the National Implementation of the One Tablet Per Child Initiative and related Acceptable Use Policy dated 19th December 2016; shall henceforth constitute the entire and only Agreement between the Government and the Union and shall supersede any and all prior agreements, amendments, addenda, exchange of letters, correspondence and written understandings entered into between the Government and the Union by virtue of the said Agreements on any subject matter dealt with in this Agreement. 4.2 This Agreement shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of Malta, and, in particular, the recruitment, engagement, appointment, career progression and functions of all personnel covered by this Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the Education Act (Cap. 327) and related Subsidiary Legislations or replacements of any such legislations, and the regulations and procedures of the Public Service Commission wherever applicable. 4.3 In claiming a qualification or a comparable qualification for the purposes of any recruitment, appointment, promotion, benefit or allowance provided for under this Agreement, it shall be the responsibility of the claimant to support, as required, by original certificates and/or testimonials, qualifications claimed, and in the case of qualifications awarded by recognised further and higher educational institutions to produce a recognition statement on comparability of qualifications issued by the designated and/or competent authority at law. 4.4 All grades established within this agreement are to be considered as substantive grades. 4.5 Successful applicants who are admitted to any grade stipulated in the Grading Structure in clause 23.1 of this agreement on the grounds of possession of an MQF qualification will not be eligible for a qualification allowance as per PSMC provisions in force from time to time. 4.6 All employees covered by this Agreement shall be bound by the Malta Public Service Management Code, the provisions of the Public Administration Act directives and guidelines issued there under, OPM and Ministry of Finance circulars from time to time, the applicable Codes of Ethics, and, in the performance of the functions and duties provided for in the Education Act (Cap. 327) and related Subsidiary Legislations or replacements of any such legislations, shall be accountable to the respective Directors General or to any other education authority, entity, or officer appointed under the law. 4.7 In accordance with MOUs referred to in clause 4.1 above and any other agreements in force from time to time, all employees covered by this Agreement will be required to develop or have the necessary knowledge, competences and skills in the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT). This with a view to ensure that employees governed by this agreement can make effective use of the technology provided in their workplace. All teaching grades may be required to follow courses during the agreed periods as per clause 17 of this agreement that help them acquire the expected ICT skills. 4.8 All employees covered by this Agreement shall assume all the duties as provided for in the terms of reference and job descriptions as established, from time to time, by MEDE. Any changes to job descriptions shall be carried out in consultation with the Union. It is being agreed that MEDE shall, in consultation with the Union, shall endeavour to produce a manual of job descriptions within six months from the signing of this agreement. 4.9 Whilst MEDE has the obligation to ensure the wellbeing of all staff covered by this agreement, all teaching grades are expected to ensure the health and safety wellbeing, including emotional and physical safety, of all learners. Moreover, all educators shall nurture the values of love and respect towards oneself, others and the environment, broadening the student’s knowledge and understanding of the world around him/her and the ability to respect diversity. 4.10 Unless stipulated otherwise in this Agreement, a year of service for teaching grades serving in schools shall be taken to be the equivalence of a whole scholastic year, provided that fractions of scholastic years can be added up together. 4.11 MEDE shall seek at all times to recruit and engage in the respective grades and positions personnel with not less than the minimum qualifications stated in this Agreement. Provided that, in the case of vacancies of posts, not being posts of a promotional grade, where not enough eligible applicants would have either applied or been found suitable for the post, MEDE may, save as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, engage, Supply and/or Retired basis persons who are best qualified and fit to perform the required duties. 4.12 In cases where a vacancy exists due to employees on leave from service, the management may opt to issue a definite contract. Persons who are successful in the interview for the post of teacher and are offered a definite contract to fill in temporary vacancies, shall henceforth be Temporary Teachers on acceptance. Temporary teachers will be placed on the minimum of scale 9 and will be entitled for the teachers’ allowance and/or works resources as applicable and established in the section within this agreement entitled Allowances. Provided that temporary teachers may be asked to perform Form Teacher duties and/or other duties as defined in the section on Student Pastoral Care. Provided further that if a permanent vacancy arises Temporary teachers may be offered the possibility to progress to the grade of teacher on an indefinite contract in accordance with Public Service regulations. 4.13 In order to meet the exigencies of the service and issues that may arise from time to time such as back-to-back contracts, MEDE may issue calls for applications on a definite contract basis for staff on different grades covered by this agreement. The criteria shall be as established in this agreement and selected officers shall be placed on the equivalent entry salary scale for the particular grade. Such employees shall benefit from incremental increases, work resources and allowances in line with this agreement, irrespective of the nature of their contract. Employees on a definite status shall only be eligible for indefinite status upon satisfying the provisions established in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 26th May 2009 and its subsequent revisions. 4.14 In cases where MEDE does not fill the vacancies, calls for applications may be issued with entry requirements as established in MOU signed on the 26th May 2009 and its subsequent revisions. 4.15 The Government and the Union are in agreement that under particular circumstances and according to the exigencies of the service, teaching grades may request or be offered by the management the opportunity to work on a reduced hour basis. 4.16 Where working conditions emanating from compulsory or non-compulsory schooling programmes for teaching grades governed by this agreement are not captured in the provisions of this agreement, shall be regulated by further provisions established by the management in agreement with the Union. 4.17 Signatories agree to meet in order to finalize at the earliest the methodology that needs to be adopted to bring into force the agreed principles in this document.

General Conditions and Obligations. 4.1 3.1. The provisions of this Agreement, together with the following documentsdocuments as applicable to Church Schools employees, and/or endorsed by signatories, currently in force, any subsequent revision in force from time to time and any other documents emanating there from: • : (i) the Collective Agreement, in force from time to time, for Employees in the Public Service signed between the Government of Malta and the Unions representing Public Service Employees to which the MUT is also signatory; • the Agreement between the Education Division and the Malta Union of Teachers on a new working schedule for teaching grades at Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx Higher Secondary School signed on 15th October 2004; • ; (ii) the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Malta and the Malta Union of Teachers regulating Supply Teachers, Supply Kindergarten Assistants, and Supply Learning Support Assistants dated 26th May 2009; • ; (iii) the Side Letter to the Agreement between the Government and the Malta Union of Teachers for Paid Study Leave signed on 9th March 2015; • ; (iv) the Letter between the Government of Malta and the MUT regarding Maternity Leave dated 9th March 2015; • ; (v) the Agreement between the Government and the Malta Union of Teachers pertaining to the Students Services Support Grades (SSSG) within the Directorate for Educational Services signed on 10th June 2015; • ; (vi) the Agreement signed Agreements between the Government of Malta and the Malta Union of Teachers to facilitate mobility for educators between licensed schools signed on 26th September 2013 and on 29th July 2015; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education and the Directorate for Educational Services and the Malta Union of Teachers on the Implementation of the eLearning Platform ; (iLearn Virtual Learning Environment – VLEvii) in Primary Schools dated 18th October 2012 ; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education and the Directorate for Educational Services and the Malta Union of Teachers on the Implementation of the eLearning Platform (iLearn Virtual Learning Environment – VLE) in Secondary and Post-Secondary Schools dated 27th November 2013; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Malta Union of Teachers on the use of ICT peripherals for the enhancement of teaching and learning dated 18th January 2016; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Malta Union of Teachers on the National Implementation of the One Tablet Per Child Initiative and related Acceptable Use Policy dated 19th December 2016, to which Church Schools Authorities are signatories; shall henceforth constitute the entire and only Agreement between the Government Church Schools Authorities and the Union and shall supersede any and all prior agreements, amendments, addenda, exchange of letters, correspondence and written understandings entered into between the Government and the Union signatories by virtue of the said Agreements on any subject matter dealt with in within this Agreement. 4.2 3.2. Unless specified otherwise in this agreement, or more favourable conditions are provided by Law, and until such time that further memoranda of understanding, agreements or related documents, including a prospective Manual of Procedures (to be finalised within six months from the signing of the agreement), the following clauses in the Agreement between Church Authorities and the MUT signed in 2011, still apply: (i) Section C: 3 a, b; 4 a, b, c, d, e, f; these clauses are reproduced in Annex I; (ii) Schedule A: Sickness, Bereavement, Marriage, Leave on the Birth of a Child, Maternity, Parental Leave, Family Care Career Break, Adoption Leave, Pre-Retirement Leave, Special Unpaid Leave. 3.3. This Agreement shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of Malta, and, in particular, the recruitment, engagement, appointment, career progression and functions of all personnel covered by this Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the Education Act (Cap. 327), the Employment and Industrial Relations Act (Cap. 452) and related Subsidiary Legislations Legislations, revisions or replacements of any such legislations, and the regulations and procedures of the Public Service Commission wherever applicable. 4.3 3.4. In claiming a qualification or a comparable qualification for the purposes of any recruitment, appointment, promotion, benefit or allowance provided for under this Agreement, it shall be the responsibility of the claimant to support, as required, by original certificates and/or testimonials, qualifications claimed, and in the case of qualifications awarded by recognised further and higher educational institutions to produce a recognition statement on comparability of qualifications issued by the designated and/or competent authority at law. 4.4 3.5. All grades established within this agreement are to be considered as substantive grades. 4.5 3.6. Successful applicants who are admitted to any grade stipulated in the Grading Structure in clause 23.1 clause 22.1 of this agreement on the grounds of possession of an MQF qualification will not be eligible for a qualification allowance as per PSMC provisions in force from time to timeallowance. 4.6 3.7. All employees covered by this Agreement shall be bound by the Malta Public Service Management Code, the provisions of the Public Administration Act directives and guidelines issued there under, OPM and Ministry of Finance circulars from time to time, the applicable Codes of Ethics, and, in the performance of the functions and duties provided for in the Education Act (Cap. 327) and related Subsidiary Legislations Legislations, national and ecclesiastical policies and/or documents, which include: the Respect for All Framework (2014), and On Cases of Sexual Abuse In Pastoral Activity; Statement of Policy and Procedures in Cases of Sexual Abuse (2014) or revisions/replacements of any such policies, documents or legislations, shall be accountable to the respective Directors General or to any other education authority, entity, or officer appointed under the law.; 4.7 In accordance with MOUs referred to in clause 4.1 above and any other agreements in force from time to time, all 3.8. All employees covered by this Agreement will be required to develop or have the necessary knowledge, competences and skills in the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT). This with a view to ensure that employees governed by this agreement can make effective use of the technology provided in their workplace. All teaching education grades may be required to follow courses during the agreed periods as per clause 17 17.2 of this agreement that help them acquire the expected ICT skills. 4.8 3.9. Church Authorities agree with the necessity to ensure that like all Teachers, KGEs and LSEs employed in Church Schools need to be furnished with a laptop, and have been striving ever since the first request was made to secure the funding required for such a facility. Furthermore, Church Authorities commit that all KGEs and LSEs employed in Church Schools shall be assigned a laptop, by not later than the 21st of December 2018. Furthermore, parties agree that a number of laptops that had been assigned to Teachers in the past years, need to be replaced and shall strive to achieve this target also by securing the required funding from the pertinent authorities. 3.10. Parties recognise the significant investment in information and communication technology, widening and enhancing opportunities for communication among the different school community members (management with educators, educators with educators, educators with learners, educators with parents etc.). Whilst acknowledging the need for professionals to actively and regularly engage with digital tools, including means of communication (emails, social media or other e-platforms, messaging, etc.), signatories pledge that this will be done within a framework which acknowledges and respects the wellbeing of all, ensuring practices are considerate and respectful towards the right of individuals for personal and private time. 3.11. All employees covered by this Agreement shall assume all the duties as provided for in the terms of reference and job descriptions as established, from time to time, by MEDEthe Church Schools Authorities. Any changes to job descriptions shall be carried out in consultation with the Union. It is being agreed that MEDE Church Schools Authorities shall, in consultation with the Union, shall endeavour to produce a manual of job descriptions within six months from the signing of this agreement. 4.9 3.12. Whilst MEDE has Church Schools Authorities have the obligation to ensure the wellbeing of all staff covered by this agreement, all teaching education grades are expected to ensure the health and safety wellbeing, including emotional and physical safety, of all learners. Moreover, all educators shall nurture the values of love and respect towards oneself, others and the environment, broadening the student’s learners’ knowledge and understanding of the world around him/her and the ability to respect diversity. 4.10 Unless 3.13. For the purposes of eligibility and unless stipulated otherwise in this Agreement, a year of service for teaching education grades serving in schools shall be taken to be the equivalence equivalent of a whole scholastic year, provided that fractions of scholastic years can be added up togetherup. 4.11 MEDE 3.14. All education grades shall be on probation for the first twelve (12) months of employment, provided that if employment is terminated during this period, the educator concerned will be entitled to payment of salary during the summer recess on a pro-rata basis. 3.15. Signatories uphold the principles enshrined in Clause 26 of Chapter 452 of the Laws of Malta - Employment and Industrial Relations Act. Hence, there shall be no departure from eligibility criteria and working conditions of all Education Grades, irrespective of whether the salary is borne by the State or otherwise, as regulated by this agreement. Nonetheless, parties also recognise employers’ right and obligation to develop roles that suit contextual needs open to interested and eligible candidates. In view of this Church Authorities and the MUT will look into claims where this principle is allegedly not being respected, and address them as required, on a case by case basis. 3.16. Church Schools shall seek at all times to recruit and engage in the respective grades and positions personnel candidates with not less than the minimum qualifications stated in this Agreement. Provided that, in the case of vacancies of for posts, not being posts of a promotional grade, where not enough eligible applicants would have either applied or been found suitable for the post, MEDE Church Schools Authorities may, save as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, engage, Supply and/or Retired basis persons who who, whilst respecting regulatory requirements set by the pertinent authority within MEDE, are best qualified and fit to perform the required duties. 4.12 3.17. In cases where a vacancy exists due to employees on leave from service, the management may opt to issue a definite contract. Persons who are successful in the interview for the post of teacher and are offered a definite contract to fill in temporary vacancies, shall henceforth be Temporary Teachers on acceptance. Temporary teachers in possession of all requirements for the Regular Teacher status, will be placed on the minimum of scale 9 or the applicable scale and will be entitled for step in accordance to the teachers’ allowance and/or works Addendum signed on the 26th September 2013 and the Mobility Agreement signed on the 29th July 2015 both endorsed by the Church Authorities, and shall benefit from incremental increases, work resources as applicable and established all allowances in the section within line with this agreement entitled Allowancesagreement. Provided that temporary Temporary teachers may be asked to perform Form Teacher duties and/or other duties as defined in the section on Student Learner Pastoral Care. Provided further that if a permanent vacancy arises Temporary teachers may be offered the possibility to progress to the grade of teacher on an indefinite contract in accordance with Public Service regulationscontract. 4.13 3.18. In order to meet the exigencies of the service and issues that may arise from time to time such as back-to-back contractsto cover a temporary absence of a teacher, MEDE Church Schools may issue calls for applications on a definite contract basis for staff on different grades covered by this agreement. The eligibility criteria shall be as established in this agreement and selected officers shall be placed on the equivalent entry salary scale for the particular grade. Such employees shall benefit from incremental increases, work resources and allowances in line with this agreement, irrespective of the nature of their contract. Employees For the sake of clarity these provisions shall only be applicable to employees eligible for the Regular Grade, whereas those solely eligible for the Supply Grade shall be on a definite status and shall only be eligible for indefinite status upon satisfying the provisions established in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 26th May 2009 and its subsequent revisions. 4.14 3.19. In cases where MEDE does Church Schools are not able to fill the vacancies, calls for applications may be issued with entry requirements as established in MOU signed between the Government of Malta and the MUT on the 26th May 2009 and its subsequent revisions. 4.15 3.20. The Government Church Schools Authorities and the Union are in agreement agree that under particular circumstances and according to the exigencies of the serviceservice at the particular school, teaching education grades may request or be offered by the management the opportunity to work on a reduced hour hours basis. 4.16 Where working conditions 3.21. Working conditions, emanating from compulsory or non-compulsory schooling programmes for teaching education grades governed by this agreement are agreement, not captured in the provisions of this agreement, shall be regulated by further provisions established by the management in agreement with the Union. 4.17 3.22. Signatories agree to meet in order to finalize at the earliest the methodology that needs to be adopted to bring into force the agreed principles in this document.

General Conditions and Obligations. 4.1 The provisions of this Agreement, together with the following documents, currently in force, any subsequent revision in force from time to time and any other documents emanating there from: • the Collective Agreement, in force from time to time, for Employees in the Public Service signed between the Government and the Unions to which the MUT is also signatory; • the Agreement between the Education Division and the Malta Union of Teachers on a new working schedule for teaching grades at Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx Higher Secondary School signed on 15th October 2004; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Malta and the Malta Union of Teachers regulating Supply Teachers, Supply Kindergarten Assistants, and Supply Learning Support Assistants dated 26th May 2009; • the Side Letter to the Agreement between the Government and the Malta Union of Teachers for Paid Study Leave signed on 9th March 2015; • the Letter regarding Maternity Leave dated 9th March 2015; • the Agreement between the Government and the Malta Union of Teachers pertaining to the Students Services Support Grades within the Directorate for Educational Services signed on 10th June 2015; • the Agreement signed between the Government of Malta and the Malta Union of Teachers to facilitate mobility for educators between licensed schools signed on 29th July 2015; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education and the Directorate for Educational Services and the Malta Union of Teachers on the Implementation of the eLearning Platform (iLearn Virtual Learning Environment – VLE) in Primary Schools dated 18th October 2012 ; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education and the Directorate for Educational Services and the Malta Union of Teachers on the Implementation of the eLearning Platform (iLearn Virtual Learning Environment – VLE) in Secondary and Post-Secondary Schools dated 27th November 2013; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Malta Union of Teachers on the use of ICT peripherals for the enhancement of teaching and learning dated 18th January 2016; • the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Malta Union of Teachers on the National Implementation of the One Tablet Per Child Initiative and related Acceptable Use Policy dated 19th December 2016; shall henceforth constitute the entire and only Agreement between the Government and the Union and shall supersede any and all prior agreements, amendments, addenda, exchange of letters, correspondence and written understandings entered into between the Government and the Union by virtue of the said Agreements on any subject matter dealt with in this Agreement. 4.2 This Agreement shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of Malta, and, in particular, the recruitment, engagement, appointment, career progression and functions of all personnel covered by this Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the Education Act (Cap. 327) and related Subsidiary Legislations or replacements of any such legislations, and the regulations and procedures of the Public Service Commission wherever applicable. 4.3 In claiming a qualification or a comparable qualification for the purposes of any recruitment, appointment, promotion, benefit or allowance provided for under this Agreement, it shall be the responsibility of the claimant to support, as required, by original certificates and/or testimonials, qualifications claimed, and in the case of qualifications awarded by recognised further and higher educational institutions to produce a recognition statement on comparability of qualifications issued by the designated and/or competent authority at law. 4.4 All grades established within this agreement are to be considered as substantive grades. 4.5 Successful applicants who are admitted to any grade stipulated in the Grading Structure in clause 23.1 of this agreement on the grounds of possession of an MQF qualification will not be eligible for a qualification allowance as per PSMC provisions in force from time to time. 4.6 All employees covered by this Agreement shall be bound by the Malta Public Service Management Code, the provisions of the Public Administration Act directives and guidelines issued there under, OPM and Ministry of Finance circulars from time to time, the applicable Codes of Ethics, and, in the performance of the functions and duties provided for in the Education Act (Cap. 327) and related Subsidiary Legislations or replacements of any such legislations, shall be accountable to the respective Directors General or to any other education authority, entity, or officer appointed under the law. 4.7 In accordance with MOUs referred to in clause 4.1 above and any other agreements in force from time to time, all employees covered by this Agreement will be required to develop or have the necessary knowledge, competences and skills in the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT). This with a view to ensure that employees governed by this agreement can make effective use of the technology provided in their workplace. All teaching grades may be required to follow courses during the agreed periods as per clause 17 of this agreement that help them acquire the expected ICT skills. 4.8 All employees covered by this Agreement shall assume all the duties as provided for in the terms of reference and job descriptions as established, from time to time, by MEDEXXXX. Any changes to job descriptions shall be carried out in consultation with the Union. It is being agreed that MEDE shall, in consultation with the Union, shall endeavour to produce a manual of job descriptions within six months from the signing of this agreement. 4.9 Whilst MEDE has the obligation to ensure the wellbeing of all staff covered by this agreement, all teaching grades are expected to ensure the health and safety wellbeing, including emotional and physical safety, of all learners. Moreover, all educators shall nurture the values of love and respect towards oneself, others and the environment, broadening the student’s knowledge and understanding of the world around him/her and the ability to respect diversity. 4.10 Unless stipulated otherwise in this Agreement, a year of service for teaching grades serving in schools shall be taken to be the equivalence of a whole scholastic year, provided that fractions of scholastic years can be added up together. 4.11 MEDE shall seek at all times to recruit and engage in the respective grades and positions personnel with not less than the minimum qualifications stated in this Agreement. Provided that, in the case of vacancies of posts, not being posts of a promotional grade, where not enough eligible applicants would have either applied or been found suitable for the post, MEDE may, save as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, engage, Supply and/or Retired basis persons who are best qualified and fit to perform the required duties. 4.12 In cases where a vacancy exists due to employees on leave from service, the management may opt to issue a definite contract. Persons who are successful in the interview for the post of teacher and are offered a definite contract to fill in temporary vacancies, shall henceforth be Temporary Teachers on acceptance. Temporary teachers will be placed on the minimum of scale 9 and will be entitled for the teachers’ allowance and/or works resources as applicable and established in the section within this agreement entitled Allowances. Provided that temporary teachers may be asked to perform Form Teacher duties and/or other duties as defined in the section on Student Pastoral Care. Provided further that if a permanent vacancy arises Temporary teachers may be offered the possibility to progress to the grade of teacher on an indefinite contract in accordance with Public Service regulations. 4.13 In order to meet the exigencies of the service and issues that may arise from time to time such as back-to-back contracts, MEDE may issue calls for applications on a definite contract basis for staff on different grades covered by this agreement. The criteria shall be as established in this agreement and selected officers shall be placed on the equivalent entry salary scale for the particular grade. Such employees shall benefit from incremental increases, work resources and allowances in line with this agreement, irrespective of the nature of their contract. Employees on a definite status shall only be eligible for indefinite status upon satisfying the provisions established in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 26th May 2009 and its subsequent revisions. 4.14 In cases where MEDE XXXX does not fill the vacancies, calls for applications may be issued with entry requirements as established in MOU signed on the 26th May 2009 and its subsequent revisions. 4.15 The Government and the Union are in agreement that under particular circumstances and according to the exigencies of the service, teaching grades may request or be offered by the management the opportunity to work on a reduced hour basis. 4.16 Where working conditions emanating from compulsory or non-compulsory schooling programmes for teaching grades governed by this agreement are not captured in the provisions of this agreement, shall be regulated by further provisions established by the management in agreement with the Union. 4.17 Signatories agree to meet in order to finalize at the earliest the methodology that needs to be adopted to bring into force the agreed principles in this document.