Enugu state judiciary workers begin indefinite strike over unpaid arrears
Maureen Edozie in Enugu
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Enugu Chapter, has commenced an indefinite strike over unpaid salary arrears, following a directive from the national body on Friday
Penpushing reports that Chairman of the union, Sampson Ifedimma, confirmed the development on Sunday, explaining that the strike is a resumption of earlier suspended industrial action over non-payment of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure and other outstanding entitlements.
The union boss explained that the strike began on Friday, following a directive from the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), national body, instructing Enugu state judiciary workers to withdraw services effective 6:00 p.m.
Penpushing further reports that he declared that they are not on strike for luxury or frivolities, but because, despite autonomy, workers’ welfare has been neglected, stressing that while the state government had implemented judiciary autonomy, staff sacrifices were ignored.
The chairman stated that silence in the face of injustice is betrayal, and urged the Chief Judge of Enugu State and President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Enugu to immediately start payment of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure, pending since 2018.
Penpushing also reports that Ifedimma equally demanded payment of four months’ arrears owed to staff employed in the High Court since October 2022, and seven months’ arrears for those in the Customary Court.
The chairman emphasized that the union in the state was only asking the heads of courts to implement the consolidated salary structure in a way that accommodates staff welfare, noting that the national body was available for negotiations if invited, adding that the strike would be suspended once their demands were met.
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