The president of the Union of Judicial Officials (SFJ) today announced a national strike of its members on September 26th plus one day of downtime in each of the 23 new judicial regions as from October 1st.
In a press conference the president of the SFJ, Fernando Jorge, said that the time had come to say “enough.”
“Judicial officials are keen to demonstrate their anger and dissatisfaction," said Fernando, adding that officials feel do not feel a aprt of the new Judicial Map, but "have fulfilled in a committed manner all the tasks assigned to them including transport, arranging furniture and cleaning up the courts."
"They have done more than was required of them," said Fernando, adding that even the Ministry of Justice admits that it is necessary to hire more court officials.
The union blames the Institute for Financial and Equipment for Justice (IGFEJ), for the anomalies in the Citius computer system that should have gone live on Monday as a key part of the new Judicial Map for Portugal.
Jorge Fernando says it is 'untrue' that the fault lies with the Ministry of Justice but that the IGFEJ rejected offers of collaboration from his union members and he now calls for the resignation of those responsible.
"The collapse of the computer system for the courts is the sole and exclusive responsibility of IGFEJ. They should be ashamed and resigning in droves due to the poor service they provided and the damage they have caused in courts,” said Fernando, trying to divert the blame from the Minister of Justice who is responsible overall for the new Judicial Map, the control of subcontracts, training and smooth implementation.
The judicial reorganisation that was meant to start on Monday, divides Portugal into 23 counties, with headquarters in district capitals. The new judicial map saw the closure of 20 courts. The failed IT system is so beset with problems that high level intervention may be needed to resolve both the computer and personnel problems.
See also: http://www.algarvedailynews.com/news/3316-portugal-s-court-system-in-disarray-due-to-it-shambles
