Starting from this week, the number of clerks working in the Courts of Madrid dealing with gender violence crimes will be reduced. The cuts announced by the Gobierno de la Comunidad will involve 50% of clerks, who will no longer work in the afternoon. The executive did not specify whether this measure is temporary or not, and explained neither the benefits it may produce on regional funds.
The decision taken by the cabinet led by Esperanza Aguirre will penalise 20 courts located in the suburbs of Madrid, 13 of which specifically deal with gender violence crimes. In an interview with El Pais, the general secretary of the Association of Madrid Court Clerks argues, “The workload handled by such Courts amply justifies the employment of full-time workers”. The People’s Party leading the Community of Madrid says that such a choice is due to the need to better distribute personnel on the basis of an analysis of the functioning of Courts.
According to the data disclosed by the Community, in the period January-June 2011, 1609 gender violence cases were brought before a Court, 6.27% less than the previous year.
Trade Unions, which in 2007 agreed to extend working time by three hours, state that the measure adopted by the Community will involve around 200 clerks.
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