/ 18 February 2000

ANGOLAN JUDGES ISSUE WARNING

JUDGES in Angola warned on Thursday that they will take action if their working conditions are not improved and their salaries boosted. The average wage for a magistrate has stayed at $80 for several years now, despite sharp rises in the cost of living. The judges claim they submitted a wage proposal to the government six years ago but union spokesman Manuel Domingos told reporters: “We have received no reply.” The judges told the government on Tuesday they will wait 29 days before taking action, Domingos said. He did not specify what form the action will take. Angolan law forbids judges from going on strike.