Workers in the Anambra State judiciary have declared a strike starting Monday, July 15, 2024.
A letter notifying the government of their intention to commence the indefinite strike, which was made available to journalists on Saturday in Awka, said the action will commence on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Not a few believe that the action will cripple court activities and other judiciary matters in the State.
The workers under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) said the strike is to protest non-adherence to an agreement reached between the group and the state government in 2011 and 2015.
At a press conference in Awka, addressed by their leaders, Mr. Henry Ezeoke, chairman, and Ugochukwu Nwezi, secretary, the judiciary workers said their decision to embark on the strike arose from the government’s refusal to pay Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS).
A letter of notice by the group to the stakeholders in the judiciary sector stated that the strike will last indefinitely, until the government meets their demands.
The letter addressed to Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars in-charge, and all staff of the Anambra State judiciary, called for the withdrawal of services.
The group stated that their action became necessary following the expiration of a 21 days ultimatum given the government by the union on the matter, which was ignored.
The letter read: “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 workers said they have explored all possible avenues without luck, and believe that downing tools is the only language government would understand.
