Provincial Court judges have been on the other side of the bench this week—in Supreme Court demanding salary increases recommended almost five years ago.

Salaries and benefits for the two dozen judges are recommended by a three-person tribunal appointed by government.

Once their report is tabled in the House of Assembly, legislation requires it to be approved, tweaked or rejected within 30 days.

But it’s been almost three years since then-Justice Minister Andrew Parsons tabled the most recent recommendations, yet it still hasn’t gone to a vote.

Parsons supported the nearly 8 per cent raise which is retroactive to 2017, saying rejection could land government in court, costing taxpayers more in the long run.

Ironically, lawyers for the judges say government’s failure to do anything with the report has led to that very scenario, leaving them no choice but to force the issue in Supreme Court.

The judges are seeking an order for government to approve the raise, pushing salaries over $250,000 a year, and foot the bill for legal costs.

Justice Daniel Boone did not set a date for his ruling, but said it will be dealt with in a timely manner.