The General Workers Union told the Prime Minister not to tar all employees with the same brush.

It was reacting to comments made by Robert Abela, who blamed civil service employees for Labour’s decline in popularity in the weekend elections.

The union states that the work of civil servants should not be misconstrued as any other easy job, the GWU said. It is always the employer’s responsibility to ensure that recruitment is based on needs, that work is distributed fairly, and that discipline is maintained.

The GWU highlighted that many civil servants have provided and continue to provide dedicated service, often going above and beyond. Criticisms of this sort can cause dissatisfaction among the sizeable number of hardworking and dedicated employees, the union said.

The majority of civil servants perform their duties diligently, delivering excellent and high-level service. Therefore, it is important to investigate the root of any issues and identify those who may be failing to meet the needs of citizens.

The GWU stressed that any instances of abuse or neglect must be addressed promptly and boldly, with appropriate measures taken as necessary. It is the union's duty to defend, by all means, dedicated and responsible workers who may have been unfairly criticized.