Court Clerks

As the strike of our highly trained and wonderfully professional courtroom clerks enters its second week (Nov. 11), and as the county negotiators continue to indulge in “final” offers subject to immediate withdrawal if not immediately accepted, let me offer a few words from the trenches.

The trial judges are working with the utmost diligence. Thus far, criminal matters have been given priority and so far as I know, no critical entries have been missed. However, despite assurances from on high, it is inevitable that major lapses will occur if the clerks do not return soon.

A suggestion: It is a near certainty that the unions involved would agree to a process apparently unknown to the county negotiators. Binding arbitration, a tool long utilized in major labor disputes throughout the country and indeed throughout history, would, I suspect, be acceptable to the clerks. The clerks would then return to the courtrooms pending the outcome. I am reasonably sure that the county, despite the crisis now approaching, will not accept arbitration. One can only wonder, why?

RICHARD G. BERRY

Judge, Municipal Court

Los Angeles