The GWU has hit out at comments by Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici that the Police Association is to be recognised as a trade union, saying that this meant that policemen were not free to join the union which they preferred.

In a statement, the GWU said it was surprised by this unilateral declaration by the minister, which meant that policemen would be denied their right of association.

The union said it would report this development to European trade unions which represent the police and the military.

Meanwhile, the Malta Police Association said it welcomed the proposed amendments through which it will be transformed into a house union for policemen.

It said in a statement it had been insisting on this since 2005. It noted it had always insisted its members should not have the right to strike.

The union would be managed by policemen who had a better understanding of the needs of the force.

The association also welcomed the news that fines for acts of violence against members of the public service, including the police, were to be raised.