Court dispute talks continue

Press, 19 May 1981, Page 3

Court dispute talks continue

PA ’ Wellington Talks will continue today between the Public Service; Association and the State Services Commission over the Wellington District Court clerical workers’ claim for an; extra two permanent staff. Staff have been taking limited industrial action . for three weeks which has restricted court sittings and caused a backlog of cases. Negotiations between P.S.A. and S.S.C. and representatives yesterday , failed to resolve the dispute. The P.S.A. wants four of six permanent staff vacancies filled in order to recommend a full resumption of work by court staff. Staff have restricted court sittings: to 3 p.m. in.the main No. 1 court and.to 1 p.m. in the remaining courts.

Rolling strikes have been % threatened if -the .staff posi- ” tion remains • unresolved by May 28. . .. .- .The .Law Society is seeking top-level talks with senior court staff over the industrial action which has /cut. I lawyers’, access to xpurtLsjt,tings. ' :• . i The society.’? ;,vtce-presi- • dent, Mr J. said ’■ the profession was very, con- • ce’rned about the situation at ; the courts caused by the | clerical workers’ action. • A backlog of cases extendf ing into next year could ( result from the dispute. j Last week defended hearJ ings were being allocated I fixtures late irt August and a 1 senior court official indicated that if the go-slow i continued much longer then • not-guilty hearings . would have to be remanded tc y dates early next year.