The General Workers’ Union (GWU) has declared industrial action against the Courts
Services Agency after over a year of unresolved negotiations regarding the recognition of workers’ grades. The dispute, which began in October 2023, has seen repeated efforts to find a resolution, all of which have ended in stalemate.
The GWU first formally requested recognition of workers’ grades at the Agency in October 2023, but the request was met with resistance. In May 2024, a conciliation meeting between the union and the Agency, aimed at resolving the dispute, proved unsuccessful. The breakdown of talks prompted the GWU to issue its first notice of industrial action. By September 2024, the case reached the Industrial Tribunal. However, the Tribunal was unable to provide a resolution, instead sending the matter back for further decision-making.
Attempts to reignite negotiations in October 2024 also failed, leaving the GWU with no
choice but to escalate the situation. Kevin Camilleri, Deputy General Secretary of the GWU, expressed frustration over the deadlock, emphasizing the union’s stance that it is being denied the fundamental right to represent its members. “This is about ensuring that our workers are recognized and their rights respected. The Courts Services Agency’s refusal to engage meaningfully has left us no option but to take action,” he stated.
The workers have now formally approved industrial action, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The GWU remains firm in its demand for recognition and vows to continue advocating for its members’ rights until a fair resolution is achieved.
The Courts Services Agency has not yet issued a public response to the announcement of industrial action.
