Magistrates in new walk-out

Magistrates in new walk-out

http://www.newzimbabwe.com/

26/04/2011 00:00:00
by Lindie Whiz

MAGISTRATES staged a new walk-out on Tuesday after turning up at their banks 
to find promised pay increments had not been effected.

Magistrates went on a three-day strike on April 4 to press for improved pay, 
only ending their industrial action after securing undertakings by the 
government that adjustments would be made at their next pay day which was 
Tuesday.

Douglas Vakai Chikwekwe, president of the Magistrates’ Association of 
Zimbabwe, insisted late Tuesday that the new strike action was a “small 
stalemate”.

“The stalemate is being worked on and we hope it will be overcome by 
Wednesday at the latest,” he said, without explaining the nature of the 
stalemate.
At the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Courts, prosecutors were giving suspects next 
remand dates.

A strike by magistrates earlier this month paralysed an already creaky 
justice delivery system.

Although judges continue to work at the High and Supreme Courts, the 
majority of cases are heard at the lower magisterial courts.

Magistrates earn between US$206 and US$300 monthly. They are demanding a 
minimum salary of US$600 for trainees, US$1,000 for junior magistrates, 
US$1,500 for senior magistrates, US$2,000 for senior provincial magistrates, 
and US$2,500 for regional magistrates.

Senior regional magistrates and the deputy chief magistrate want US$3,000 
while the chief magistrate's salary should be US$3,300, according to the 
union.