PROFESSIONAL and technical staff at the Chief State Solicitor's Office are expected to resume their work to rule on Monday. It was suspended for a week to allow talks, but staff rejected management proposals yesterday.
The solicitors and technical legal officers involved are threatening to escalate their action this week by refusing to take telephone calls, use faxes or courier services.
The union IMPACT is to hold an emergency meeting on Monday, where it is expected to sanction the escalation of the dispute. If this happens, the work of the courts is expected to face serious disruption by the end of the week.
However, IMPACT's assistant general secretary, Mr David Hughes, said yesterday he remained optimistic the dispute could be settled.
"A lot of progress was made in talks this week and I am hopeful we can make some more."