STAFF at North Somerset Courthouse staged a walkout this week over what it deems to be unfair changes to the way the judicial system is run.
Workers at the St Georges court joined colleagues across the South West in strike action on Thursday afternoon as trade unions fear the changes will effectively privatise part of the justice system.
The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) was joined by members of the Bristol and District Anti-Cuts Alliance as staff walked out of the fines department.
Bev Anderson, of the PCS, said allowing private firms to be responsible for debt collection would make it more costly for those with fines, as well as make the system less efficient.
She said North Somerset Courthouse was performing better than the national average, even though it has received no investment and has few staff.
She added: “There are real concerns that the cost of living soaring means low-paid workers face having their pay and conditions cut.
“Combined with the unaccountability of private bailiffs and threats to personal data, PCS members have no other option but to protest vigorously to ensure the public are made aware.”
She said staff would refuse to work overtime and take part in further strikes unless the Government liaised with it.
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