The decision by magistrates and judges to unofficially boycott official celebrations on September 8 and Independence Day seems to be their way of putting their working conditions’ problem on the national agenda.

They have been publicly silent about their complaints but in confidence some have spoken of dismal working conditions, lack of support staff and low pay.

With salaries ranging from almost €44,000 for magistrates and almost €50,000 for judges, members of the judiciary could hardly be put in the same category of ordinary workers earning just a third or less that amount.

However, the numbers do seem to jar when placed in a wider context. A district judge in the UK earns some €118,000 while the highest paid post is that of Lord Chief Justice who earns €278,000.

In Malta the Chief Justice earns some €56,000, almost a quarter of a Maltese judge sitting at the European Court of Human Rights who earns €200,000 a year.

But the salaries are also not comparable to some of the wages paid to top managers in government authorities.

The new Malta Environment and Planning Authority chief executive earns €65,000 a year and the chairman receives €93,000.

Under the new payment regime decided by Cabinet in 2008, ministers earn under €77,000 including salary, honoraria and duty allowance. The Prime Minister earns €83,000.

It is unclear what members of the judiciary believe is adequate remuneration but their complaints have found sympathetic ears among members of the legal profession.

Chamber of Advocates president Reuben Balzan said their grievances were legitimate and conditions and salaries had to improve.

However, Dr Balzan also noted that any changes should also be accompanied by improved ­performance and accountability.

Members of the judiciary say they perform no ordinary job and this reasoning is backed by former Chief Justice John Cremona. Speaking to The Sunday Times yesterday he said it was “clear and obvious” that the judiciary are not paid enough for the work they do.

“Judges and magistrates shoulder a lot of responsibility,” the former chief justice said, recalling the “many times” he slept at 4 a.m. to get his work done.

Prof. Cremona also noted that retired judges had inadequate pensions that had to be adjusted.

However, he reiterated his call for the retirement age of the judiciary to be raised.

Members of the judiciary have to retire when they reach 65 contrary to the provisions of the European Court of Human Rights where judges retire at 70.

“It is a waste to lose good people at an age when they are ripe with knowledge and experience garnered over years of service,” Prof. Cremona said echoing similar calls made by former chief justice Vincent Degaetano – now serving at the European Court of Human Rights – and judges Philip Sciberras and Joseph Galea Debono, who retired last year.

When asked whether it was appropriate for the judiciary not to attend the national events as a sign of protest Prof. Cremona declined to comment.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com