Court staff work to rule as bargaining continues

New Zealand’s court staff will be working to rule for the next few weeks as they continue to bargain with the government.

The work-to-rule policy will be in place until 19 October, the New Zealand Law Association said. As part of the action, court staff will not do overtime or work outside of contracted hours of work, as well as follow set common breaks.

The policy comes after a nationwide industrial action on Wednesday, which paralysed the courts system as court staff who are members of the Public Service Association went on strike.

About 1,500 members participated in the action, the Law Society said. The work-to-rule policy will be followed by members, including court security, officers, registry officers, victim advisers, court reporters, and Family Court co-ordinators.