As people gathered outside the building to catch a glimpse of the prince, Ministry of Justice employees, who are members of the Public Service Association (PSA), staged a rowdy demonstration over stalled negotiations and pay differentials between public servants. Collections officer and PSA delegate Neil Raeburn said the royal visit will give protestors more exposure for their cause.
"We just want the Ministry of Justice to get around the negotiating table and come to some sort of resolution on fair pay."
The PSA said ministry workers were paid up to 13% less than the public service median and on average 6.3% less.
Court registry officer Talitha Claassens said the PSA has been protesting for months with no avail: "We are not necessarily here for Prince William, but all the people who are on the bargaining table. The Minister of Justice and the senior managers are here today."
