No settlement for court staff
The Federal Court could see delays because of ongoing strike action by staff.
Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) Deputy National President Rupert Evans says court staff had gone four years without a pay increase and faced cuts to workplace rights and conditions under EBA proposals. “CPSU members in courts feel they have no other option but protected industrial action,” he said.
During strikes at the start of November, court registries in Darwin, Adelaide and Melbourne were closed as workers walked off the job.
Ongoing industrial action has returned to the Federal Court this week as staff walk off the job for the third time.
The CPSU has warned the Federal Court, Family Court, Federal Circuit Courts and the National Native Title Tribunal could see staff shortages until Friday as staff ramp up strike action.
“Courts management refuses to hear workers’ concerns about the cuts, they’ve been through mergers, job losses and more changes are planned. Staff have been put through the wringer and enough is enough.”
The union restated calls for Attorney-General George Brandis to step in, however, a spokesman for Senator Brandis said the federal courts were responsible for their own operation and management, including enterprise bargaining matters. (Source: Fairfax Media)