Żminijietna – Voice of the Left supports the call made by the General Workers’ Union, UĦM and Forum for a revision in the Maltese legislation to grant trade union rights to the police force, and the armed forces.

A right which is recognised in various countries, where in some, even the right to strike is allowed. Alternattiva Demokratika and the Labour Party are also in favour of this right.

In a progressive country like Argentina, Santa Cruz province police officers went on strike for two weeks, calling for an increase in their wage. On the other hand, members of the police force in Malta had to file a judicial protest against the government with regards to overtime payments due to them for the period between 1993 and 2006, which the government is refusing to pay.

Żminijietna believes that a minimum of rights should be guaranteed to all security forces, at least the right to join or form a trade union, as this will guarantee the right to seek redress for any injustice that they may suffer.

Żminijietna appeals to the government to recognise these rights and to start to take measures to redress this police overtime issue.

■ Richard Mifsud

PRO

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left