Police to help keep peace in Northland courts if security guards strike

Police were brought in after Whāngarei court's security officers decided to strike for more than two hours. Photo/Supplied

Police officers will keep peace in Northland courts if court security officers decide to repeat strike over fair pay in future.

There was an increased police presence in the Whangārei District and High Court building between 10.30am and 12.30pm on Monday when the Public Service Association members employed by the Ministry of Justice decided on the industrial action.

Five court security officers participated in the strike in protest at stalled fair pay negotiations for female workers.

One Disputes Tribunal hearing in Whangārei did not proceed as a result of the industrial action.

One security officer in Kaikohe District Court walked off his job and that court was closed for the duration of the industrial action.

Members of the public were not able to pay fines or lodge documents.

A trial was delayed until the afternoon.

Kaitaia District Court remained open but there were no cases on that day.

One court security officer decided to participate in the industrial action in that court.

The Public Service Association (PSA) has 77 members in Northland who work at the Whangārei District and High Courts, Whangārei Maori Land Court, and Kaikohe and Kaitaia District Courts.
Inspector Marty Ruth of Whāngarei police said two officers were sent to help maintain public safety at the Whangārei District Court for two and a half hours on Monday.

"Every police officer has and may exercise all or any of the powers and duties given to a court security officer under the Court Security Act. Police work closely with the courts to maintain public safety."

Ministry chief executive Andrew Bridgman said the decision to request police assistance was taken to ensure members of the public felt safe while visiting courts.

"Those actions have been forced on us by the PSA's decision to strike with only 30 minutes notice at a crowded and busy Whangārei court, which we consider is unreasonable, unethical and unsafe.

PSA national secretary Glenn Barclay said his union was open to entering into mediation talks with the ministry.