Anambra Judiciary Workers Announce Strike, Set to Paralyze Courts Starting Monday

Judiciary workers in Anambra State have declared an indefinite strike, starting Monday. A letter informing the state government of their decision was made public on Saturday in Awka, highlighting the action’s anticipated impact on court activities and judiciary operations in the state.

Under the aegis of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), the workers are protesting the state’s failure to adhere to agreements made in 2011 and 2015 regarding the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS).

At a press conference in Awka, union leaders Mr. Henry Ezeoke, chairman, and Ugochukwu Nwezi, secretary, expressed frustration over the Anambra government’s refusal to pay CONJUS. They emphasized that the strike would continue indefinitely until their demands are met.

The notice, addressed to Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars in-charge, and all judiciary staff, calls for the withdrawal of services due to the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum previously issued to the state government.

The letter reads: “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 stated that they had exhausted all possible avenues for resolution and believed that striking was the only language the government would understand.