UNMIK/PR/592
PRESS RELEASE - 7 June 2001

SALARY INCREASES FOR SOME JUDICIAL SUPPORT STAFF

PRISTINA - Following a recent review of the activities and functions of judicial support staff throughout Kosovo, the Department of Justice has announced an increase in the salary of some support staff working in the judiciary. The new salaries will come into effect as of 1 July 2001. Different categories of workers will be receiving salary increases of varying amounts.

The review indicated a need to revise the job descriptions of the lowest paid support staff which led to the proposed salary increments. The new salaries are comparable to those of most workers with equivalent functions within the public sector. The increase will be entirely absorbed by the current budget of the Department of Justice.

The following categories of workers will be receiving salary increases: judicial secretary (formerly typist) 270DM/month, driver 210DM/month, receptionist 210DM/month, judicial messenger (formerly messenger) 210DM/month, judicial security officer (formerly security guard) 210DM/month, cleaner 180DM/month and building manager (formerly building manager/handyman) 210DM/month. 

The Department continues in its efforts to improve the working conditions of staff in the local judiciary. Recently refurbishment works were completed in Prizren Municipal Court, Prizren Public Prosecutor's Office and Rahovec/Orahovac Municipal Court. Further work is expected to be completed in Suharekë, Dragash, Malishevo, Gjilan and Vushtrri over the coming weeks. Additional work is expected to start on several other judicial buildings during the coming months.

There are presently over 1000 support staff working in the judicial institutions of Kosovo.  They include administrators, registrars, typists, legal assistants, legal apprentices, messengers and others. The support staff within the judicial institutions make an essential contribution to the continued success of the justice system in Kosovo and in the near future 1726 personnel will be employed to meet the needs of Kosovo's judicial services.