Govt favouring police unions: civil servants

The Union for New Civil Servants says it has to safeguard the reputation of the civil service and defend people’s trust in the government. Photo: RTHK

The Union for New Civil Servants on Friday rejected government's criticism of a statement it issued on Thursday and said it is “regrettable” that the government seemed to favour the police in its handling of staff unions.



The administration had, on Friday morning, expressed deep concern and regret over a statement issued by the union condemning the police for abruptly ending the New Year’s Day protest.



The government said the union’s remarks were “totally unacceptable”, as civil servants should uphold political neutrality and refrain from criticising government policies or enforcement operations by individual departments.



But in a new statement issued on Friday afternoon, the union hit back, saying it was “regrettable” that the government had appeared to side with the police.



It said even though the Hong Kong Inspectors' Association had issued an open letter to Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung in July, slamming him for apologising to the public for the force’s handling of the Yuen Long attacks, the government had not condemned the police for criticising the administration.



Cheung even met with various police unions to address their concerns.



The union statement said it’s important that the government deal with all matters regarding civil servants fairly.



It stressed the union has always upheld political neutrality by serving the public in a professional and impartial manner, adding that they have the responsibility to safeguard the reputation of the civil service and defend people’s trust in the government.



The union again said it simply cannot agree with some of the actions of police, such as their refusal to show their identity documents while on duty, or hurling abuses at residents, journalists and lawmakers.



It added that some civil servants had been the victims of arbitrary arrests and police violence, and the union needs to stand up for their rights.