Barristers practicing criminal law in the UK have voted to strike “indefinitely” in a ballot action, the Criminal Bar Association announced Monday. The walkout will start on Monday, September 5, meaning virtually all criminal court cases in England and Wales will be unable to proceed.
Our members have made the difficult decision to adopt the current action on an indefinite basis from 05 September.
This is about more than just money.
This is about safeguarding the future viability and fitness of the CJS for all who become involved in it.
— The CBA (@TheCriminalBar) August 22, 2022
The result of the CBA ballot were as follows:
Option 1 (Cessation of all action) – 207 votes (9.11%)
Option 2A (Continuation of current action) – 258 votes (11.35%)
Option 2B (Escalation of action) – 1808 votes (79.54%)
Members of the association have publicly expressed concerns about working conditions and the state of legal aid, as well as pay.
.@TheCriminalBar are again taking decisive action against the indefensible state of legal aid. To be an advocate is to make finely-balanced decisions every day. One decision is whether participating in a system entrenched in inequality reproduces the inequality that besieges it.
— Maria Munir (they/them) (@Maria_Munir) August 22, 2022
Previous strike action by the CBA had been rotating and partial.
