The union representing probation officers has dismissed the government’s claims that it was being stubborn during talks, insisting the other side was unwilling to move forward.

In comments to the Times of Malta on Friday, a UĦM Voice of the Workers spokesman also denied claims by the Home Affairs Ministry that the issue only aimed to accommodate one employee.

“The truth is that there are still pending issues the management agreed to initially but then failed to observe. This certainly is not stubbornness from our part but lack of commitment from the management,” UĦM assistant director Edwin Balzan said.

A Home Affairs Ministry spokeswoman told the Times of Malta earlier last week that a new agreement had been reached “by both parties” and would result in an improved financial package and better conditions for workers. She claimed the dispute erupted after a letter that was meant “to accommodate one employee who does not form part of the probation and parole class”. The spokeswoman insisted that, had the government treated the discussions “seriously”, the issue would have been resolved by now.

The union in November issued a series of directives to members, ordering them, among other things, to handle only 15 cases a day, as opposed to about 60, with the rest being passed on to the director.

Asked whether the union had attempted to resume talks with the government, Mr Balzan said efforts had, so far, been unsuccessful.

“The ministry intentionally failed to mention the continuous attempts made by officials of the union to settle the matter, which attempts were brushed off with an ‘after the festive season’ reply. It is also condemnable that the government is resorting to propaganda to try dissuade the union from carrying out legitimate duties,” he said, insisting the union would stick to its position that protecting the interests of the few never justified abandoning its members.

“The union invites the Ministry of Home Affairs to come up with tangible proposals to bring the matter to a positive conclusion in the best interest of all,” Mr Balzan said.