Senegal: Justice workers union to take case to WLO
June 16, 2011After two months of strike action, the Senegalese Justice Workers Union has decided to take its case to the World Labour Organization (WLO) for redress.
The union, which comprises court clerks, secretaries and interpreters, are protesting for better working conditions, including higher wages and allowances.
According to Elhadi Ayé Boun Malick Diop, in charge of vindications for the union, they have decided to take their case to WLO because they have no one else to talk to.
“They don’t seem to be concerned about our demands,” said Malick Diop, criticizing the government’s move of using military officers to act as court clerks, adding “The government is trying to show that things are going on well, which is not true.”
To them some trials cannot hold without the presence of official court clerks who are among the key actors of the strike action.
The Senegalese justice workers Union said the authorities, mainly the Senegalese Minister of Justice is threatening to fire them, but that they are unconcerned as the truth will emerge in due time.
The strike by the judicial workers has paralyzed activities at the country’s courts making life difficult for people who need legal documentation.
Added to this is the impact of the strike is having on the economy of liberal justice actors like lawyers, who are no longer operating properly.
But many of them are supporting the strike as they consider it a legitimate cause.
Written By Kara Thioune, Edited by Harrison Akoh Tweet
