Hundreds of sheriffs have walked off the job across NSW over a staffing crisis and poor pay, crippling the ability of courts to function.
Thursday's strike has crippled dozens of courts in regional NSW where sheriffs walked off the job for a full day. In Sydney, Public Service Association General Secretary Stewart Little addressed workers who walked out of Sydney's Downing Centre Local and District Court.
Sheriffs enforce writs, serve warrants and are vital to maintaining the security of the court and judicial officers. Despite doing more than ever, their pay has stagnated and the Office of the Sheriff is struggling to recruit and maintain workers.
There are more than 300 sheriffs attached to over 170 courthouses in NSW.
Public Service Association General Secretary Stewart Little said sheriffs performed difficult and dangerous work but were paid the same as people with desk and administrative courthouse roles.
"Sheriffs put their lives on the line to keep judges, lawyers and members of the public safe. They serve warrants wearing stab-proof vests and carrying capsicum spray.
"Why would anyone want to do that when they could be paid the same for a desk or administrative courthouse job?
"Thursday's walkout has serious repercussions for courthouses across the state. The lack of security will force delays to important hearings while some courthouses could be forced to shut altogether.
"It's not in anyone's interests for this dispute to drag out any longer. The government said the issue of sheriffs' pay would be resolved in the budget, but failed to deliver anything.
"Sheriffs are prepared to keep disrupting NSW courthouses until the government comes to the table with a reasonable remuneration deal that reflects the dangers of the job."
