Province files injunction to end strike by Crown attorneys

With files from Canadian Press

The province has filed a motion for an injunction in an effort to end a strike by Crown attorneys.

“Our government values Crown attorneys and the important work they do across the province but this is an illegal strike and they can't just walk off the job,” said Premier Stephen McNeil in a news release. 

“This is about protecting the public safety of Nova Scotians and ensuring our court system continues to function. We did everything we could to get a deal with the Nova Scotia Crown Attorneys Association but they refused to bend. We would, however, still welcome them back to the negotiating table.”

However, the association's lead negotiator Rick Woodburn said the action was a legal protest against proposed provincial legislation aimed at eliminating the group's right to binding arbitration.

Crown attorneys walked off the job and protested at Province House Wednesday.

Woodburn said about 15 of the province's 100 prosecutors were to remain on the job to handle murder cases, sexual assaults and other serious crimes.

However, he said routine cases wouldn't have prosecutors available, and he doubted enough replacements would be available.

Crown attorneys are seeking a 17 per cent raise over four years, which is higher than an established wage pattern set for the province's public sector.

The province is offering a seven per cent increase over four years.