A Labour government would introduce harsher punishments for those found guilty of assaulting police officers or any public officer in a bid to restore respect for those responsible for law and order, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said yesterday.

The package we are offering will introduce dignity in a career in law and order

Dr Muscat said the party had a package of proposals for police officers, Civil Protection Department personnel, the Armed Forces and all disciplined corps. Among them was granting them the right to join the union of their choice without the option of striking.

Addressing a political event yesterday evening in Birkirkara, Dr Muscat said CPD personnel would also be given a service pension just like soldiers and police officers, and can retire after 25 years work.

He said closed circuit television cameras would be installed at the police depot and interrogation rooms to protect the police and detainees from abuse. Interrogations will also be filmed.

“The package we are offering these people will introduce dignity in a career in law and order,” he said.

Dr Muscat also said the party proposed the introduction of government back office services for Gozitan government employees to work there as well as measures incentivising the opening of businesses on the island. The party was also proposing a cruise liner passenger terminal in Gozo to boost tourism.

Referring to Labour’s “revolutionary” proposal of a free childcare service, Dr Muscat said Labour will also come up with incentives for the private sector to introduce family-friendly measures. He said his party was against extending school hours.

He said today the party was opening its doors in a fund-raising marathon because it needed more funds to continue its electoral campaign.

“Come and see our fourth floor,” he joked, in an obvious reference to jibes that the fourth floor at the Labour headquarters was where contractors were meeting party officials.

He said around 200 volunteers a day will be on the fourth floor helping out in the electoral campaign.

Earlier yesterday, Dr Muscat said during a radio interview that the party’s doors would remain open for former deputy leader Anġlu Farrugia.

Dr Muscat said he continued to have respect for Dr Farrugia and he still believed he had a major role to play in the party and the country.