Ogun courts grounded as judicial workers’ strike hits one month
The workers accused the state government of short-changing its members,…
Lawyer’s wig
Judicial activities in Ogun State have been paralysed following the industrial action embarked upon by Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in the state.
The courts in Ogun State have been under lock and key since August 11 when the industrial action began.
The workers accused the state government of short-changing its members, and demanded full payment of their salaries.
Findings by Daily Trust revealed that a number of suspects had been languishing in the police cells and prison custody as the striking judicial workers forced judges to stay away from court rooms.
The State Chairman of JUSUN, Edun Tajudeen, on Monday said government had not opened any negotiation with the time a proposal was submitted.
“Since the last time we met to present our proposal, we have not received anything from them nor hear 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 this burial ceremony of the Governor’s father. It is the reason we have not been attended to,” Edun said in a phone interview on Monday.
Speaking on their demands, the union leader 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.”
In his reaction, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Akingbolahan Adeniran expressed the government’s readiness to negotiate with the striking workers.
Adeniran said, “Government is already in negotiation with JUSUN. What I encourage you journalist to do is to ask objective questions and not wait for general answers.