Lilongwe, Mzuzu judiciary staff join strike
Support staff of the Judiciary in Lilongwe and Mzuzu yesterday joined their Blantyre counterparts to down tools in protest against lack of implementation of new housing allowances, following the breakdown in discussions between staff representatives and the Judiciary Service Commission.
If the strike persists in Lilongwe, it could paralyse delivery of justice, specifically Cashgate cases whose progress has been commended of late.
The staff claim that they are entitled to a housing allowance or government housing since the Judiciary was no longer in the consolidated perks group of civil servants.
High Court registrar Joseph Chigona confirmed he was aware the strikes had spilled over to Lilongwe and Mzuzu but said discussions were underway to reach a solution.
“We are still discussing with representatives of the staff and we hope a solution will be reached soon,” Chigona said.
But the angry staff in Lilongwe locked the doors to the High Court building, magistrate courts and the gate which the judges and registrar use behind the courtrooms.
The staff gathered under trees singing spiritual songs, asking for strength and direction from God as they waited to hear from their superiors.
One staff member told The Nation: “We are also suffering and want to live in good homes but we cannot afford that with the little money we are getting as allowance.”
The strike follows the Thursday expiry of the 14-day ultimatum set by the staff for the Human Resource Department to respond to their demands.
