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Arms of the civil services, which fall under the Essential Services Division of the Industrial Court, are concerned that their matters will be delayed by a six-month extension of some judges' terms.

Among the judges whose terms were extended was Essential Services Division (ESD) chairman Lawrence Achong. This is the extension which troubles the unions as it would affect the ability of the Special Tribunal to hear new matters.

The ESD chairman is also the chairman of the Special Tribunal which hears and determines disputes in the civil service, the police service, the fire service, the prison service, the teaching service, the supplemental police and the Central Bank. The Special Tribunal consists of the ESD chairman and two other members of that division selected by the chairman.