Barristers in Wales are undertaking indefinite strike action which could see hundreds of court cases delayed as they campaign for "fair pay for fair work". Cuts to legal aid by the UK Government has meant that some barristers have been earning less than the minimum wage.
Members of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) congregated on the steps of Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday morning where a statement was read out by Jonathan Rees QC, decrying the lack of investment in the criminal justice system. As of Monday (sep 5), and indefinite and interrupted strike which will see barristers refuse to attend court until the matter is resolved.
Flanked by his colleagues, Mr Rees said: "This action by the Criminal Bar Association is historic and unprecedented. It is a last resort driven by a collapsing criminal justice system criminal barristers have warned the Government about for years." He went on to say a quarter of barristers had left the criminal bar due to the lack of pay, with the annual median salary for junior barristers at £12,200.
