A new trade union for members of the police force was launched yesterday by the General Workers’ Union.
Though it is not yet clear what form of industrial action will be permitted, if any, GWU general secretary Tony Zarb warned any changes in shifts and working hours would have to be made in consultation with the unions.
Inspector Sandro Camilleri, who heads the legal office of the police force, was appointed president of the Police Officers’ Union.
This development came in the wake of the government’s recent announcement that it would soon grant members of disciplined forces the right to join a trade union.
However, industrial action such as strikes would remain forbidden.
Inspector Sandro Camilleri, who heads the legal office of the police force, was appointed president of the Police Officers’ Union
On Wednesday, Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia said that further details would be available in a White Paper set to be published within days.
Addressing a news conference, Mr Zarb yesterday said discussions were already under way for the creation of other unions representing members of the army, civil protection, detention officers and prison warders.
He said the POU would be autonomous even though it would have its representatives in the GWU’s internal structures.
The arrangement would be similar to that of the Taxis’ Union, which was an affiliated member of the GWU.
Mr Zarb lauded this Bill, saying members of disciplined corps will have the right to seek redress in the joint negotiating council, the industrial tribunal, and will also be represented during collective agreement negotiations.
On his part, the POU president said the Bill was a landmark development as for the first time members of disciplined corps would have the right to voice their concerns.
Mr Camilleri said Malta was the only EU country where no such right existed.
Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Ministry criticised the views expressed by Opposition spokesman Jason Azzopardi in a debate with Dr Mallia on TVAM yesterday morning.
The ministry said that members of disciplined forces should be left to choose for themselves which union may represent them.
It added that the PN had been promising this right for years, but showed no real commitment to deliver its pledge.
In a separate statement, the Labour Party accused the Opposition of contradicting the proposals listed in its own manifesto.