Despite last-minute interventions and the Supreme Court’s withdrawal from the industrial action, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Federal High Court Chapter, has resolved to commence its planned indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, June 2.
This decision followed a four-hour meeting on Sunday between JUSUN leaders and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) alongside the agency’s Director of Operations.
The talks, however, ended in a deadlock, failing to avert the looming shutdown of federal court activities across the country.
A top JUSUN official who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity confirmed that the meeting did not yield any resolution.
“Strike continues even as the Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council have pulled out. We met with the DSS leadership, but there was no breakthrough,” the source disclosed.
It was gathered that another round of talks has been scheduled at the instance of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, who is expected to meet with all critical stakeholders, including representatives from the DSS.
“Until fresh directives are given, the status quo remains,” the JUSUN official added.
Meanwhile, Comrade Mohammed Isah, Secretary of the Supreme Court Chapter of JUSUN, in a brief statement on Sunday, reiterated that while another meeting is slated for Monday, union members are to stay at home as the strike takes effect.
The strike action, according to the union, is in protest against the federal government’s failure to pay five months’ arrears of the wage award, implement the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and enforce the 25% to 35% salary increment previously agreed upon.
In a circular dated May 30, the union’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Gideon A. Maku, cited the breakdown of negotiations with the Minister of Labour and Employment as the tipping point.
“All members of staff are hereby directed to remain at home until further notice,” the circular stated.
However, in a contrasting move, the Supreme Court chapter of JUSUN, in a communiqué issued on May 31, resolved not to partake in the strike, citing unique operational demands and ongoing commitments.
The chapter praised the efforts of the CJN in addressing their financial concerns and stressed the need for a “tailored approach.”
The communiqué was endorsed by 12 members of the Supreme Court JUSUN executive, including Comrade Danladi Nda Y., Comrade Bala Sambo, and Comrade Comfort Ataghar M., among others.
Despite the Supreme Court’s withdrawal, judiciary workers in lower courts appear determined to press on with the action, raising concerns about a potential nationwide judicial paralysis starting Monday.
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