Prosecutors call off strike
15/10/2011 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
PUBLIC prosecutors have called off their nationwide strike after the Public
Service Commission (PSC) promised to look into their grievances.
The prosecutors had been on strike over the past two weeks, pressing for
improved conditions of service.
The job action had paralysed the country’s courts system with no trials
taking place, leaving suspects stranded in remand prisons around the
country.
However, the prosecutors agreed to give their employer an opportunity to
their concerns during a meeting held on Thursday.
Patrobs Dube, the vice president of the Zimbabwe Laws’ Association said
their members had agreed to resume work while their grievances are being
addressed.
The strike which started last Tuesday also affected State witnesses with
those coming from outside town being turned away.
The prosecutors and law officers want the PSC to address the salary
discrepancies with magistrates insisting they same qualifications.
Prosecutors currently earn between US$200 and US$300 monthly.
They are demanding parity with magistrates who now take home between US$500
and US$730 after the salaries were increased in July.
Public law officers are also understood to be unhappy the alleged engagement
of prosecutors from the security services claiming this was compromising the
country’s justice system.