Ogun State Judicial Workers’ Strike Ground Court Activities

JUDICIARY Staff Union of Nigeria ( JUSUN), strike in Ogun state has paralysed judicial activities.

Since August 11, when the industrial action began, courts in Ogun state have been locked.

JUSUN accused the state government of short-changing its members and demanded full payment of their salaries.

The State Chairman of JUSUN, Edun Tajudeen, revealed on Monday that the government is yet to open any line of communication with them for negotiations.

“Since the last time we met to present our proposal, we have not received anything from them nor heared from them. A government official called me last week that they have not forgotten us, saying it was because of the official function they were attending to, that is the burial ceremony of the Governor’s father, that is the reason they have not been attended to,” Edun stated.

Edun said “Our salary was decreased. When the issue of new minimum wage came into light, we observed that we at the judiciary were short-changed.

“The Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJUSS) we bargained for was slashed by 50%. On seeing the salary table, we rejected it. The government then restored all our CONJUSS. Then, they decreased our basic salary. And you know all allowances rest on the basic salary. So, what we are expected to collect reduced.

“In October 2020, we wrote to the government, but they didn’t do anything, same in November. In February, we gave 21 days ultimatum, nothing was done.

“During another meeting, our basic salary was also restored. But the government now reduced some percentage from our regular allowances. From level 1 to 6, from 7 and 8, then 9 and above. We are not begging for increment. What we are asking for is our legitimate right.”

Meanwhile, findings revealed that a number of suspects had been languishing in police cells and prison facilities awaiting trial as the striking judicial workers forced judges to stay away from court rooms.