The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Anambra State has announced plans to commence an indefinite strike action starting Monday, July 15, 2024. This development is expected to significantly disrupt court activities and other judiciary matters across the state.
In a letter made available to journalists on Saturday in Awka, the state capital, JUSUN cited the state government’s failure to implement the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS) as the primary reason for the strike. The union claims this decision breaches agreements reached with the government in 2011 and 2015.
During a press conference, JUSUN state chairman Henry Ezeoke and secretary Ugochukwu Nwezi emphasized that the strike action comes after the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the state government, which reportedly went unheeded.
The strike notice, addressed to Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars in-charge, and all staff of the Anambra State judiciary, called for a complete withdrawal of services. “All staff of the Anambra State Judiciary are directed to withdraw their services, effective from Monday the 15th day of July, 2024, pending further directives by the union in the state,” the letter stated.
Union leaders expressed frustration at having exhausted all possible avenues for resolution without success. They believe that downing tools is now the only recourse left to compel the government to address their concerns.
As the strike looms, there are growing concerns about its potential impact on the state’s judicial system. The industrial action is set to continue indefinitely until the state government meets the union’s demands.
