Malawi Judicial supporting staff on Monday defied government order to resume work or risk the closure of courts. Insisting that the 36% offer made by government was still not enough.

The Judicial supporting staff started a strike two months ago, demanding government to increase their salaries by 45 percent as agreed in 2012.

 

Recently the government offered the Judicial supporting staff 36% pay hike but they rejected the offer, saying it was not enough.

Judicial supporting staff were heard chanting ant-government songs and vowed to continue with the strike until their demands are met by government. Some were seen carrying un-flattering signs insulting the offer made by government as fit for their families.

Addressing Media Charles Lizigeni said government threats on the strike are no helping at all.

“We were happy that government told as to go back to work. We thought maybe the government has come to terms with our demands. When we came here this morning we found that nothing has materialized.

“It’s unfortunate that government instead of looking at our grievances is resorting to threats. To be honest with you, we as judicial staff we are not moved with these threats”, said Lizigeni.

In an interview with one of the local daily papers in the county [Daily Times], Secretary to government George Mkondiwa, who last month warned that the government would seal the courts if the staff fails to resume working by January 5 said he is waiting to receive a report on whether the courts are open or not.

The strike by the Judicial supporting staff countrywide has affected several cases in the Malawi courts.

Meanwhile it is not known as to when the striking staff and the government will reach an agreement and re-open the courts