Call to end 'discrimination' against soldiers

The Association of Dependants of Members of the Armed Forces of Malta have called on the political parties to put a stop to discrimination in regard to soldiers.

In a memorandum to the political parties in view of the general election, the association said that while members of the police corps are paid €104.82 extra when they escort illegal immigrants on a flight, nothing is given to AFM members when they are ordered to perform such duties.

While members of the police force are paid for the extra hours, soldiers are only given time in lieu which is not always possible to take because of pressures of work. The association is insisting that the same compensation be given.

Among the other claims made by the association is for a trade allowance for those who have knowledge of a trade, an allowance to compensate for certain risks and an allowance on the basis of specialisation and responsibility shouldered.

The association said that soldiers do not have the right to have their own association, noting that the European Union and the Council of Europe recommend that soldiers should be given the right of association and be considered as citizens in uniform. This right should however respect the sensitive exigencies of the army, the association said.

The army should be, and appear to be, free from partisan interference.