Judiciary workers in Ogun suspend strike after two weeks

The Ogun state chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has suspended its indefinite strike. 

The union had called for a strike on April 8 over the non-payment of 40 percent peculiar allowance by the state government.

Adewale Adenekan, publicity secretary of the union in Ogun, said executive members held a meeting with the secretary to the state government on Monday.

“After the meeting with the representatives of the state government, the authenticity of the union’s demand was established and the state government realised its mistakes in the failure to involve the JUSUN executive in the negotiation process which led to the approval and implementation of the Peculiar Allowance”, the statement reads. 

“The state government said this was because JUSUN is not a member of JNC.

“However, the bone of contention is now the timing of the implementation of the union’s demand, putting into consideration the imminent announcement by the Federal Government of the new minimum wage which is expected on May 1.

“This will be billed for implementation between May and June 2024 for both Federal and State workers.

“After much discussion on the matter, it was agreed that JUSUN’s demands should be treated together with the full implementation of CONJUSS alongside the minimum/living wage negotiation and implementation.”

The union added that it reviewed the proceedings of the meeting and decided to suspend the strike. 

“This is a very difficult moment for both the leadership and members of the union, but we believe this is a fair agreement that will benefit the union and its members in the long term,” the statement adds. 

“In view of the above, the National Officers and JUSUN leadership of Ogun state, having reviewed the proceedings of the meeting, decided to suspend the indefinite strike action.

“The union thereby directed all its members to resume work by Wednesday. The union will continue to engage the state government towards the actualisation of its demands.

“We look forward to continue to provide our esteemed members with excellent and quality leadership.”