UĦM Voice of the Workers said that it is stepping up ongoing industrial action at the Attorney General's Office, "in the wake of government's inaction to ensure that professionals working in this institution enjoy good working conditions."

Consequently, as from Monday 22nd February, lawyers and legal procurators will not be appearing and will not attend for sittings in the Court of Criminal Appeal (Inferior Jurisdiction).

"This directive does not apply to appeals lodged by the Attorney General. The directives which came into force on 14th January shall remain active."

In September 2020, UĦM won official recognition of these professionals. "In view of the fact that they were never covered by a collective agreement, and within the context of the new responsibilities as a result of the Venice Commission reform, the union called for talks on a collective agreement to secure a financial package reflecting the conditions of the legal profession. However, the management of the Attorney General's Office refused prompting UHM to register an industrial dispute at the beginning of December."

UĦM Voice of the Workers noted that, by law, unions have every right to negotiate on behalf of their members and failure to hold these talks would constitute a serious shortcoming by the Attorney General who is bound to abide by the law.

"Meanwhile, the unattractive conditions in this institution are leading to a brain drain of professionals to the private sector. During the last year alone, eight lawyers left, of whom three in the last two months. Such situation is undermining government's own efforts to implement the Venice Commission recommendations as the AG's office which is crucial for the rule of law and justice is being dismantled." 

UĦM warns that if government continues to turn a blind eye to the situation, industrial action could be escalated further.