Waylon Johnston
1,500 police officers file action for overtime
'All work deserves to be compensated'
Nearly 1,500 police officers, almost the whole of the police force, yesterday filed a judicial protest against the Commissioner of Police claiming compensation for unpaid overtime that they said went back to 1993.
They also claimed that neither had they been given time off in lieu for hours worked, in breach of a 1993 agreement.
The situation had become intolerable and further action would be taken, as permitted to them by law, if need be, they warned.
A total of 1,473 police officers including senior ranking ones, from a force numbering about 1,800, put their names to the protest.
The 1993 agreement they cited is entitled New Salaries And Conditions Of Service For The Police Force. It states that "payment of overtime at 1.5 times the rate of pay will be made for any hours worked in excess of 46 hours per week, when time off in lieu cannot be given".
Although this paragraph was crystal clear, the Commissioner of Police had chosen not to adhere to the agreement, so that since 1993 they had not been paid overtime or given time off in lieu for working in excess of 46 hours in a week, the protest said.
"All work deserves to be compensated and it is inconceivable and unacceptable that, in a democratic country, policemen are being treated in this way, having been, for years, made to work for long hours without compensation."
While they were part of a disciplined force, they were making it clear they would no longer tolerate such a situation. If it was not immediately rectified through compensation for all hours they had worked over and above the 46 hours, they would take what action was permitted by law to press for their rights, they said.
The policemen and women also pointed out that three arbitrators who had been appointed by the Prime Minister to investigate this matter had concluded last August that they "strongly hold" that an official document stipulating the conditions of work (for example the 1993 document relating to the police force) was sacred and should be strictly adhered to.
There was, therefore, no justification for ignoring the provisions of the 1993 document (which was still in force and valid) and adopting the variety of timetables that went beyond the 46 hours per week stipulated in that agreement.
The protest was signed by lawyer Robert Abela.
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Frank Borg
Nov 2nd 2009, 16:17
@ J Farrugia: Thank god you are not a policeman, maybe you don't have the brains to be one. I would love to see you doing a 9 hour night shift in the cold, rain, wind, no shelter, in danger, getting abused, spit on etc, being deprived of your vacation leave no matter it's your anniversary, son's birthday, all this because of the exigencies
of the force, having to share a room with 80 other police officers for 6 days, sharing their bathroom, showers, toilet, having to seek permission to marry your loved one, and by the way, many of the retired policeman do get a far better job when they retired because they are disciplined, trust worthy and reliable, therefore they do not become nobodies like you stated, grow up mister.
Anthony Buttiegieg
Oct 28th 2009, 09:24
For people who do not receive renumeration for their work I call that un acceptable! On the other hand I dont find any objection that police officers work 46 hours instead of 40. I mean they are lucky enough to retire with giving 25 years of service. So if the average police officer enters the force at 18 they are out at 43!
J Farrugia
Oct 28th 2009, 08:06
At D Vella - are you suggesting that the Corps will not rally to the call by the authorities to keep up law and order as they had sworn to do when they enlisted? Just as when they let down their former deputy commissioner Mifsud Tommasi way back in 1987? Is this the loyalty we are paying them for? Let them get out of the force and they will be nobodies. Licking the terrain. Thjey are in duty bound to do their duty even at there own expense. Otherwise get out of the corps and dont taint it any more with being an irresponsible police corps. And those who are inciting these officials should be ashamed of themselves.
S Atlamyob
Oct 27th 2009, 18:36
I didn't know we had 1800 police officers on the Islands, I thought it was more like 180!
What's with this 46 hours before overtime kicks in when the International norm is 40 hours?
Anyway, "fair is fair" "A fair day's pay for a fair day's work". Pay up Mr Commisioner.
And Mr Commisioner, If you're looking for the euros to pay what's owed, send half of your force out on an island wide crack down on drivers using cellphones while operating a vehicle for a day or two a month.
DVella
Oct 27th 2009, 12:24
There's another article further down this page whose heading reads 'Prime Minister, Fenech have full faith in the Police Corps' . . . . well this professed faith does not quite tally with the contents of this article . . .
Maybe the next time we have mass civil disorder, as in the case of the public transport riots several months ago, the police corps will be called upon again to perform beyind the call of duty jsutas they did back then . . . and this is the thank-you that they receive, not even being paid what they are due . . . let alone receive some extra bonus or commendation in recognition of their service ! ! !
Dr Anthony Licari
Oct 27th 2009, 12:16
I am not familiar with all police work and I cannot write in defense of the whole force. . I have lived in the St Julians area for 30 years. I have had occasion to speak with police officers at various levels. My overall impression is very positive. Some even showed interest in my university work and I always found it a pleasure to speak with them. Some are university graduates themselves. As far as their assistance in various matters is concerned - from noise to street hygiene etc., I found them very helpful. So please, I am sure that an apology is due by those who criticise unfairly and emotionally.
Galea. L
Oct 27th 2009, 12:12
No one should be made to work more than 40 hours and overtime should be paid at 1.5 normal rates on time and if not paid on time interests should be given as a matter of fact without having to ask for them. As for time off in lieu can anyone go to a shop, supermarket or anywhere and pay with time off in lieu? Do the Prime Minister, Ministers and PS's take time off in lieu or have they arbitrarily increased their salary to the tune of LM125 PER WEEK? It's a shame in this day and age for a government to continue to treat anyone let alone our security forces in such manner.
duncan Tanti
Oct 27th 2009, 10:58
First of all i am going to make it clear that I am Not a policeman.But i understand the work they do.They have to face the worst people risking their lives.mr attard you mentioned the few rotten apples but do you remember mr roger calleja who was killed in qormi while on duty or the young constable who was killed in tarxien?Or the traffic guy who was seriously in jured in floriana??Just try to put on a uniform and you understand what they and the AFM pass through everyday.There is a saying in maltese wgich is very true.Is servizz laham mibjugh.