Magistrates threaten to strike over pay

working conditions by March 7.
A strike would seriously cripple a justice delivery system that is already burdened by a huge case backlog.
Magistrates were transferred from the Public Service to the Judicial Service Commission in June last year.
They had expected this would result in improved working conditions.
The magistrates met in Harare on Saturday for an urgent meeting amid reports that their colleagues in Bulawayo were already on a go-slow.
Reliable sources said the magistrates agreed not to go on strike before the expiry of the notice.
“We had an urgent meeting in Harare after rumours circulated that our colleagues in Bulawayo were already on go-slow. We never agreed on that.
“As learned and mature people, we agreed to get back to work until the expiry of the notice. If nothing comes out by the expected date, then we will have no option but to take action. There will be no further notice. We will simply stay at home,” said a source.
Secretary for the Magistrates Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Munamato Mutevedzi, told The Herald their next move would be determined by developments in coming days.
“We are all waiting for the employer’s response by March 7. You will hear from us after that date,” said Mr Mutevedzi.
Magistrates are getting between US$206 and US$300 monthly and are demanding a minimum of US$600 for trai-nees.
They have proposed a salary of 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 deputy chief magistrates want US$3 000 while the chief magistrate’s salary should be US$3 300.
The proposed increment, according to the magistrates, would compare favourably with their counterparts in Sou-thern Africa.
Interpreters and clerks are getting salaries of between US$147 and US$163.
There has been no change in working conditions since magistrates and support staff were transferred from the Public Service Commission to the Judicial Service Commi-ssion.
High and Supreme Court judges have Mercedes and Toyota Hilux double cab vehicles while regional magistrates were given Isuzu and Rhino Cam trucks.
Senior and junior magistrates commute to work.