Cross River JUSUN branch withdraws service, shut down courts

Cross River State branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on Tuesday May 2nd, downed tools and shut down all courts in the state over unmet demands by the state government.

In a notice pasted at the gate of the state secretariat, Judiciary Headquarters in Calabar by JUSUN chairman, Enya-Ertoti title “Notice to commence strike Action”, members were directed to remain at home from yesterday until further notice. Also, several notices was said to have been given before the Union embarked on the indefinite strike to press home their demands.

The notice read “Dear Comrades, despite the unions perseverance and efforts in ensuring a peaceful labour relations between JUSUN and the state government, our demands have remained unaddressed hence the union has no alternative other than to embark on strike action with effect from May 2, 2023 until our demands are met as stated below:

Implementation of the constitutional provision for Autonomy of the Judiciary; payment of 66 percent balance of consolidated judiciary salary structure, CONJUSS.

Staff promotions (long overdue) Re-inclusion of our staff excluded from the payroll of Cross River State Government since October 2014 and non-payment of salary till date.

Others are implementation of promotions benefits across board, creation of conducive working environment by building, re-building, renovating and furnishing of all courts in Cross River State judiciary.

“Payment of gratuity to our retirees from Cross River State Judiciary; Non-payment of salaries to presidents and members of customary courts in Cross River State Judiciary since their appointment in February 2019 to February 2022 among others.

They stated that from the foregoing it was obvious that they had exhausted their patience as they have waited for years for their demands to be met and cannot wait any longer.

“Comrades, You are hereby directed to stay at home with effect from this day as stated above till further notice” the union said.

By Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)