You are here
Conflict Incident Report
Judges went on strike over salary and benefits cuts
Judges across Lebanon went on strike to protest against a reduction of their salaries and benefits, which they say will reduce their social standing and threaten their independence.
In response to the newly approved contentious public sector salary scale, the decrease in family medical and education benefits, ad the judges' solidarity fund, the judges protested by refusing to conduct any work with the exception of cases involving detainees.
Secretary of the Higher Judicial Council, Judge Jean Tannous, told The Daily Star that these provisions will lead to a 10-percent reduction in judges’ salaries.
Judges also said the pay and benefit cuts could interfere with the work of the judiciary. “When you have the power to limit my income, my school and medical compensation, I cannot be independent,” Tannous added.
On the 28th of August, the judges have decided to end their strike after promises they received from senior state officials and MPs regarding the newly endorsed measures. They are expected to resume their functions starting early September after the Eid al-Adha holidays.