A new union for prison warders was announced this morning by the General Workers Union.
The Union Gwardjanj tal-Habs is the fourth GWU branch for members of uniformed forces which were formed in recent months in the wake of a bill to grant trade union rights to these employees. Though they will not be allowed to strike, the will have the right to take their case before the Industrial Tribunal.
Similar unions also affiliated to the GWU have been formed for members of the police force, armed forces and those working in the Detention Service.
GWU Secretary General Tony Zarb urged the government to enact the law as soon as parliament reconvenes in October. He also appealed to the Opposition to support this bill.
At present there are some 200 prison warders.