By Ikeugonna Eleke
Workers in Anambra State Judiciary have declared a strike. A letter notifying the state government of their intention to commence an indefinite strike, which was made available to journalists, said the action commenced on Monday, July 15.
The development is expected to 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 was to protest non-adherence to an agreement reached between the group and state government in 2011 and 2015.
The group in a press conference addressed by its leaders, Mr Henry Ezeoke (Chairman) and Ugochukwu Nwezi (Secretary), in Awka, said the action was as a result of Anambra Government’s refusal to pay Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS) to the workers.
A letter of notice by the group to the stakeholders in the Judiciary Sector stated the strike would last indefinitely until government met its conditions.
The letter which was 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 this was necessary following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the State 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 leaders said the group had explored all possible avenues without luck and believed that downing tools may be the only language Government would understand.
