“Anambra State judiciary workers declare an indefinite strike starting Monday, demanding the implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS). This action is expected to halt court activities in the state.”
In a significant development that is set to disrupt judicial activities in Anambra State, workers in the state’s judiciary have declared an indefinite strike action. The announcement was made public through a letter notifying the state government of their intention to commence the strike on Monday.
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), representing the judiciary workers, stated that the strike is a protest against the non-adherence to an agreement reached with the state government in 2011 and 2015 regarding the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS).
At a press conference held in Awka, JUSUN leaders, including Chairman Henry Ezeoke and Secretary Ugochukwu Nwezi, detailed the reasons behind the strike. They expressed their frustration over the Anambra State government’s refusal to pay the CONJUS, which was agreed upon in previous negotiations.
The union’s letter, addressed to various judiciary stakeholders, indicated that the strike would continue indefinitely until the government meets their demands. The letter, directed to Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars in-charge, and all judiciary staff, called for a complete withdrawal of services starting Monday, July 15, 2024.
The decision to strike comes after the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the state government, which was ignored. The union’s letter stated: “Based on the failure of the Anambra State Government to comply with the agreement reached in 2011 and 2015 respectively with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State Branch for the full implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS), a notice is hereby issued.
“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 judiciary workers have explored all possible avenues for resolution without success. They believe that taking industrial action is the only remaining option to compel the government to fulfill its commitments. The strike is expected to severely impact court operations and other judiciary matters across Anambra State.
This indefinite strike by JUSUN is likely to cause significant disruptions in the judicial system, affecting both ongoing and upcoming cases. It underscores the persistent issues surrounding salary disputes and the need for prompt government intervention to avoid prolonged judicial paralysis.
As the situation unfolds, the judiciary workers remain firm in their resolve to secure their rights and improve their working conditions through the implementation of the agreed salary structure.