Anambra judiciary workers call off strike, resume work Friday

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By Madu Obi

Anambra judiciary workers under the aegis of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, have called off their strike which paralyzed activities of the courts in the state for the past two weeks.

At an emergency meeting at the judiciary headquarters in Awka on Thursday, the workers said they decided to suspend the strike following the intervention of the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.

A letter suspending the strike, which was signed by the state chairman of JUSUN, Comrade. Ezcoke Henry

Ifeanylchukwu and assistant secretary, Nwezi Ugochukwu , was addressed to all Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars In-charge and staff of Anambra State judiciary.

The letter reads: "Sequel to the meeting held between the Governor of Anambra State and the executive members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State branch on the 24 of July, 2024 in respect of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS) over the peculiar allowance for Judiciary workers, Mr. Governor promised to set up a committee to address the issue of CONJUS after the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.

"After much deliberation and consideration by the Congress during an emergency meeting held on the 25 of duly, 2024 at the Judiciary headquarters, High Court of Justice, Awka, the Congress reached a decision to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike by the branch.

"In accordance with the decision of the Congress, all staff of Anambra State Judiciary are, by this notice, directed to resume work on Friday, the 26th day of July, 2024."

The demand for the payment of the peculiar judiciary allowance for Anambra JUSUN had lingered for the past 13 years and at various times, the union and the state government signed agreements on the way forward.

In the agreement by JUSUN and the former Head of Service, HOS, of Anambra State, Mr. Harry Udu, on December 31, 2015, the two parties agreed in principle to implement the CONSUSS when the finances of the state improved.

However, JUSUN officials argued before the recent strike that although the revenue of the state has since improved, the state government has continued to renege on its promise.

They lamented that JUSUN workers in Anambra State were the least paid in the country.