The government said Saturday that it will be supporting members of an industrial tribunal who were hit by a “personal” case after a decision they took.

On Friday, the chairman and members of the Industrial Tribunal wrote President and Prime Minister to ask for “protection, help and assistance” after being personally identified in a recent court case filed by the Union of Professional Educators. 

The letter was sent after a constitutional application was filed by the union challenging the tribunal’s decision denying it the right to represent learning support educators (LSEs) and assist its members in collective bargaining procedures. 

In a press conference, parliamentary secretary Andy Ellul referred to the case filed by lawyers Jason Azzopardi and Therese Comodini Cachia.

He said the government cannot accept a situation where people who serve the country face personal court cases after decisions they take. This is an unjust and disproportionate attack, Ellul said, adding that the government will assist the tribunal members in their legal expenses related to the case.

Ellul said that the tribunal chairperson has been serving in this role for 25 years and has been reappointed several times, including by Nationalist administrations. The members were appointed by constituted bodies serving on the MCESD.