We’ve right to embark on strike –Judiciary workers
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Nasarawa State chapter, has accused the Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), of “black mail” over a radio announcement that the ongoing industrial action by members of the union in the state is illegal.
The union was reacting to a paid announcement aired by Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS).
The public statement, issued after the regular meeting of Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on 19th November 2018, said there was no demand of the union that had not been addressed by the commission.
The JSC, in the public announcement, also said that there was no disagreement between the union and the management, adding that there was no need for the strike since the union failed to serve notices before embarking on it.
But the branch chairman of JUSUN, Comrade Jimoh Musa, said the JSC statement was contradictory and confusing, as a reminder letter was written to JSC to notify it of an industrial action on the 8th of February, 2018 over management and JSC’s inability to meet the demands of the union.
Comrade Jimoh said the demands included lifting of embargo on staff conversion/ advancement, lifting of embargo on staff in service training, stoppage of deductions on staff of High Court salary and refund of same and the payment of promotion and annual increment arreas which had not been met.
He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, JUSUN in the state has notified the management accordingly on her grievances. But rather than dialogue with the workers, the management has resorted to harassment and intimidation of our members.
“Strike and protest are the exclusive right of a worker in the event of industrial dispute, which the management refuses to resolve through dialogue.
“We want to state categorically that the national headquarters of JUSUN as well the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are solidly behind the ongoing action by the union and no amount of attack and intimidation of our members can deter JUSUN’s resolve to defend her right as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Trade Union Act.’’