England and Wales criminal barristers vote to end strike, warn ‘goodwill is exhausted’ News
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England and Wales criminal barristers vote to end strike, warn ‘goodwill is exhausted’

The Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales (CBA) Monday announced that it had voted to accept a settlement proposal made by the government, ending its current strike action. The ballot asked, “Do you accept the offer from the MOJ [Ministry of Justice] as set out in the accompanying proposal document and therefore vote to suspend the action?” 57.12 percent of voters, totalling 1488 votes, said they accepted the proposal. 42.88 percent, or 1117 voters, would have rejected the proposal. The CBA has therefore voted to accept the proposal made by the government.

The CBA announced its strike on September 5 and agreed to vote on the government’s current offer on September 29. In a statement, barristers said they hope for better treatment and a “new relationship” with the government.

CBA leadership commented:

It remains the government’s responsibility to stop the Criminal Justice System tipping over the cliff edge. Barristers should not have to fight so hard again to bring this responsibility back home to government. Barristers should not again have to endure working all hours to ensure that cases are brought to Courts whilst government pares criminal legal aid fees to the bone. The offer from the Government is an overdue start. Its acceptance by barristers is on the basis that it is implemented.

The CBA warned the Justice Secretary that its goodwill is “exhausted” and association members will strike again if the agreement is not implemented.

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