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Judicial Officers Association to continue taking legal advice over possible magistrates strike

The association, representing about 800 magistrates, has threatened to go on strike due to difficulty keeping up with the rising cost of living.

Judicial Officers Association to continue taking legal advice over possible magistrates strike

Picture: Pexels.com

JOHANNESBURG - The Judicial Officers Association said it would continue taking legal advice on its potential strike for magistrates over remuneration.

The association, representing about 800 magistrates, has threatened to go on strike.

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But the Department of Justice has cautioned against this, saying the Labour Relations Act, which allows demonstrations, does not apply to them.

The association’s president, Neelan Karikan, said they couldn’t keep up with the cost of living.

"It’s more of a cost-of-living adjustment. It’s not even really an increase as such, it’s just to keep up with inflation. So as the cost-of-living increases and bread and butter issues increase - petrol, food, and whatnot – the remuneration committee has not been keeping up and ensuring we get that limited increase each year. For the last year – from 1 April 2023 - we have not even received that."