Judiciary workers in Anambra embark on indefinite strike action

Judiciary workers in Anambra on Monday began an indefinite strike action over the state government’s refusal to implement the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) in the state.

Our Correspondent who monitored the development reports that the gates leading to the state judiciary complex were under lock and key as early as 7am.

Mostly disappointed by the strike action were litigants, respondents and their supporters who thronged the National Assembly Election Petitions tribunal within the court premises for the day’s sitting.

The state chairman of JUSUN, Mr Mark Ifezue, in an interview said that the union’s demand was for the state judiciary worker’s salary to be at par with other states.

According to him, the State Governments of Ebonyi, Abia and Imo are implementing CONJUSS.

“We want our salary to be at par with what is obtainable in other states especially in the South-East geo-political zone.

“In Ebonyi, a Grade Level 01, Step 1 judiciary staff is earning N41, 000 whereas in Anambra judiciary, an officer on grade level 07 earns N33, 000; the disparity is not fair,” he said.

Ifezue recalled that the union had in 2011embarked on similar strike action during the administration of Mr Peter Obi following the state government’s refusal to honour its agreement.

He noted that ex-Gov. Obi later offered five per cent increase to the salary of judiciary workers with an understanding that over time the agreement will be reviewed.

“We have been working since then until 2014 when we reminded the state government through the Head of Service and the Attorney-General requesting for a review.

It would be recalls that the union had in January embarked on four-month strike over their demand for independence and financial autonomy for the state judiciary which is a separate issue from CONJUSS struggle.