Trial lawyers, known as barristers in the UK, have voted to go on an indefinite, uninterrupted strike in England and Wales from next month. The walkout by members of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) will begin on 5 September. Until now, members have been striking on alternate weeks in a dispute with the government over pay, working conditions and legal aid funding. The strikes are expected to delay thousands of cases, leaving victims and the accused waiting longer for justice.
The CBA is asking for a 25% rise in pay for legal aid work, representing defendants who could not otherwise afford lawyers. Members have previously rejected the government’s 15% pay offer, saying it would not kick in immediately or apply to existing cases.
The current strike action means members are already scheduled to strike on August 30. The members’ last working day will be on Friday. Out of 2,273 votes cast, an overwhelming 1,808 members (79.5%) voted to escalate the strike, while 258 were in favor of continuing the current action, and 207 in favor of stopping all action.
The start would coincide with the announcement of the new Conservative party leader and prime minister. Ministers have described the result as an “irresponsible decision”. But the vote will pile further pressure on the government, which faces escalating industrial action in the rail industry and threats of strikes from teachers and health workers.
