The Vice President of Colombia has been authorized to mediate between the government and judicial workers to end a two-week long strike, reported local media Thursday.
The decision to use Garzon came with the blessing of Justice Minister Ruth Stella Correa. “She authorized me to use all the powers of the office of the vice president,” said Garzon.
The vice president will meet with members of the National Association of Professional Employees of the Judicial Branch (Asonal) 9AM Friday to find a solution to the impasse.
Approximately 42,000 judicial officers have been on strike since October 11. The dispute stems from complaints about wages across the judiciary.
Garzon drew a comparison to the peace talks in Oslo, saying that if the government can reason with illegal insurgents it can negotiate with legitimate actors of society.
If Garzon brokers a compromise with the workers it may be one of his final accomplishments as vice president. On Monday, he responded to concerns about his poor health, “I am fully aware that I have to leave in the hands of the Constitution and the law everything that has to do with the present and future of the Vice President of Colombia.”