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Judiciary staff rebuff Chief Justice on strike

Judiciary support staff yesterday rebuffed an appeal by Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda to suspend their protest as the institution explores means of resolving their demands.

Judiciary support staff went on an indefinite strike on Friday demanding a 27 percent increment in salary and arrears, among others.

Judiciary support staff protest at the Blantyre High Court on Friday
Judiciary support staff protest at the Blantyre High Court on Friday

On Friday, the workers, through their representatives, refused to meet deputy registrar of the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal and the High Court of Malawi, Nyakwawa Usiwa Usiwa, delegated by Nyirenda who was in Lilongwe at the material time.

Yesterday, the workers met the Chief Justice where they refused to call off their strike and return to work as issues are worked out.

During a visit to the Judiciary premises at Chichiri in Blantyre, The Nation yesterday saw the support staff passing time inside the premises while all entrances were blocked with tree branches and posters placed on the gates.

The workers later moved to their auditorium where they embarked on praise and worship while waiting for the outcome of the meeting between the Chief Justice and their union leaders.

Met the staff: Nyirenda
Met the staff: Nyirenda

Besides the 27 percent increment to their arrears, the workers are also demanding promotions, housing allowances and are also calling for a review of the salary harmonisation process with the mainstream civil service which they claim is unfair to them.

In an interview later, Judiciary Support Staff Union president Charles Lizigeni confirmed meeting the Chief Justice, but declined to divulge the outcome of the meeting, referring The Nation to Judiciary spokesperson Mlenga Mvula.

Mvula said talks between the Chief Justice and the disgruntled workers would continue to reach a compromise, but confirmed that yesterday’s negotiations did not bear fruits.

He said: “The Chief Justice pleaded with the striking members of staff to resume work while discussions are continuing because he observed that some of them are long-term in nature. However, the employees said no to that plea and instead made it clear that their demands must be met at all cost.”

Mvula said the workers have vowed to proceed with the strike today unless their grievances are met in entirety.

The issue dates back to 2014 when the employees pushed for a 45 percent salary increment but in line with the 46 percent that was given to the mainstream civil service. They got 18 percent and are now demanding the difference.

During that impasse, the Judiciary support staff refused to provide their services for almost two months and resumed work in January 2015 after they reached an agreement with government.

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