National Executive Council (NEC) of theJudicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG)has announced that all staff of the Judicial Service are to resume work on Tuesday, July 16. This decision follows the suspension of the strike by organized labor.
The suspension was announced by the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Yaw Baah, during a news conference in Accra on Monday, July 15.
Organized labor had previously declared an indefinite strike in response to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT)’s plan to sell 60 percent of its shares in several hotels.
“On Friday, July 12, 2024, organised labour called on all workers to join an indefinite strike starting today, Monday, July 15, 2024, to back our demand for the termination of the process towards the stake of 60 SSNIT shares in the four hotels.
In a letter dated July 12, 2024, SSNIT notified organized labor that it had canceled the planned sale of 60% of its shares in the hotels.
“At an emergency meeting held today, July 15, 2024, organised labour has decided to call off the strike,” Dr Yaw Baah said.
JUSAG, in a statement, said, “Having had our demands met by the Board of SSNIT, organised labour decided to call off the ongoing strike. ALL workers are, therefore, directed to report to work tomorrow, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Consequently, the National Executive Council (NEC) of JUSAG wishes to inform all staff of the Judicial Service to resume work tomorrow.
“Leadership of Organised Labour will engage the Board of SSNIT to resolve any other outstanding issues regarding the management of the Trust.
We wish to express our gratitude to the staff of the Judicial Service and the workers of Ghana for supporting our collective resolve to safeguard our retirement incomes.”
A statement released by SSNIT on Friday, July 12 announced to the public the termination of the controversial sale of the shares in the hotels.
“The Board and management of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) wish to inform the public that the process to divest 60% of SSNIT’s stake in the hotels has been terminated,” Board Chair of SSNIT Elizabeth Akua Ohene said in the statement.
SSNIT assured pensionersand contributors of managing the affairs of the Trust “prudently for the sustainability of the Pension Scheme.”
The association noted that 2023 saw numerous instances of misconduct, leading to disciplinary actions and emphasized that severe misconduct resulted in dire disciplinary measures against those found guilty.
The press statement, conveying a New Year message, urged JUSAG staff to uphold the code of conduct.
“Your job security is of utmost importance to us. Therefore, always be measured in your dealings with court users. Remember to exhibit a high level of integrity and professionalism at all times in the New Year and beyond.”
JUSAG acknowledged the challenges faced in 2023 but expressed pride in the Association’s work to support and protect its members during difficult times. The statement highlighted the resilience and strength shown by JUSAG in overcoming the challenges encountered throughout the year.
“As we move into 2024, we look forward to continuing to work together towards a brighter future for all. We have many exciting projects and initiatives planned for the coming year, and we are confident that together, we can achieve greater things.”
Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has issued a demand for enhanced security measures and the provision of risk allowances for its members in light of the recent attacks at the Tamale District Court.
JUSAG asserts that its members bear the critical responsibility of safeguarding and nurturing the justice system, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future by upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
However, they require adequate protection in order to fulfill this duty.
On August 28, a group of community members stormed the Tamale District Court to ensure the prosecution of a drug peddler, who was believed to be negatively impacting the lives of Tamale’s youth. This led to a violent altercation, involving gunfire.
These incidents in Tamale, along with recent reported assaults on Court Bailiffs, have prompted JUSAG to call for improved security protection and the introduction of risk allowances for its members.
Mr. Samuel Afotey Otu, President of JUSAG, made this plea during the 2023 Judicial Service Staff Durbar and Open Forum held in Cape Coast, emphasizing that these incidents serve as a wake-up call for the consideration of risk allowances for JUSAG members.
“As members of the judicial service, it is our solemn duty to nurture and protect the justice system. We have the immense responsibility of shaping the future of our nation by upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
“As we do this and more, let us enhance security in our Courts to protect and safeguard staff, judges and magistrates, and our clients.
“The recent incident of attack at the Tamale District Court is a wake-up call on the service to relook at our security protocols. It also sends a signal that all employees of the service are at risk.
“And with this inherent risk, provision of risk allowance should not be seen as too much for staff,” Mr Afotey Otu charges.
Human resources, pillars of justice
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Afotey Otu said, the durbar was a major forum to interact with staff of the Judicial Service and the Judiciary.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Building The Pillars Of Justice In The Ghanaian Justice System,” he said, “It best suits our circumstance and the times because a solid foundation of justice has been laid and it is incumbent on each and every one of us to build the pillars to a successful future.”
He said for employees of the Judicial Service, the pillars of the justice system in modern era are built on infrastructure, technology, the laws (including the rules of our court, practice guidelines, policies, and values), and the human resource development.
“We have witnessed significant upspring of court infrastructure. The e-justice services are progressing steadily with virtual court hearings, and there can be said to be abundant laws, rules, and procedures to guide our operations.
“When these are put in place, the pillars of justice will not be built unless the most important part is well taken care of – that is the human resource management,” the JUSAG President stated.
He thanked the Chief Justice, her immediate predecessor, and the Judicial Secretary for their various roles in approving and implementing the new salary structure for the service staff.
He said that the negotiations of the salary and related allowances were challenging every two years.
He said that the delay in finalizing and implementing the salary reviews caused a lot of distress for the staff.
“These can largely be attributed to the inability of the Service to comply with Article 158(2), 159, and 161, and the recommendation of the Supreme Court in the case of JUSAG vs. The Attorney General & 2 Ors. (2016) to make a regulation by constitutional instrument (CI) to clearly define the terms and conditions of service of staff of the service.
“We are reassured by the pledge of My Lady Chief Justice to see to the immediate passage of the draft regulation into a CI.
“It is our fervent hope and prayer that the content of the draft will reflect key components of the 2012 Conditions of Service,” he stated.
Co-equal arm of govt
He said, the Judiciary “as a co-equal arm of government to Parliament, it is our further prayer that, the Parliamentary Service Regulation, 2014 (CI 118) as well as the Legal Service Regulation will be given due consideration in the Judicial Service Regulation.
“My Lady, justice is the bedrock upon which our society stands, and the judicial system plays a pivotal role in maintaining our governance architecture, and safeguarding the security of our dear nation.
“In the spirit of our vision which is to deliver equal access to quality justice, we must adopt the principle of inclusiveness, participation, high ethical standards, equity, high integrity, professionalism, discipline, and fair play.
“These principles are not mere ideals; they are the very foundation upon which quality justice can be achieved for all,” Mr. Afotey Otu stated.
He said, “It is crucial to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, is given equal access to quality justice.
“As court officials, we must strive to eliminate all forms of discrimination, bias, or prejudice, and embrace inclusiveness in an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and well-represented.
“Our mantra of ‘justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done’ is something we must all be mindful of. For JUSAG, our motto is justice and fair play and that must be at the core of our judicial system,” the President of JUSAG stated.
This he said is “the surest way to foster trust and confidence in the judicial service, and ultimately lead to a stronger and more effective judicial system.”
Retirement – a living cemetery
While extending the felicitations of JUSAG to our forebearers who have served this noble institution and have now retired, he said they deserved rewarding.
“To the awardees, you deserved it and the Good Lord shall continue to be with you in your retirement. Retirement is like a living cemetery. We shall all join you one day,” he acknowledged.
This, he said, “is why JUSAG has created the Retired Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (REJUSAG) to cater for the welfare of all retired employees of the service.”
He charged members to take the opportunity to continue to get involved in JUSAG activities through REJUSAG.
“Retirement income is of prime importance to JUSAG. For this reason, JUSAG, in 2018 at the Wa Conference passed a resolution to establish the Judicial Service Provident Fund (Tier 3) which was launched by Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo (former Chief Justice).
“The Tier 3 is now operational and in due course, circulars will be sent to registries and units for members to sign up,” he enumerated.
JUSCOFund
In addition to Tier 3, he said provision of flexible, affordable, and tailor-made financial services to all employees is dear to JUSAG.
To this, he said, JUSAG created the Judicial Service Staff Co-operative Fund also known as (JUSCOFund) which was launched by His Lordship, Justice Anin Yeboah (former Chief Justice) on the 31st of January 2023.
“The Bye-Laws of JUSCOFund qualifies all employees of the judicial services, all judges, all magistrates, and employees of institutions concerned with justice administration such as CHRAJ, NCCE, Attorney General Department, etc. to join the JUSCOFund.
“Even as banks interest rates are skyrocketing to about 45%, JUSCOFund offers loans to all employees at the most affordable rate of 15%. JUSCOFund also provides supplementary retirement income to members,” he urged them.
Mr. Afotey Otu said the Board of Directors of JUSCOFund and the National Executive Council of JUSAG will be glad to have the CJ enrolled in JUSCOFund.
“We are also humbled to make you a life patron of JUSCOFund,” since “JUSCOFund is your fund for life!”
The President of JUSAG therefore pledged his outfit’s commitment to “building the bridges of our justice system, as it is the bedrock on which our democracy, rule of law, and good governance thrive.”
“Let us all reunite to one body of judicial service staff association with constitutional representation at the judicial council and in all affairs of the judicial service. Together we stand, divided we fall.”
ThePresident of JUSAG said, with JUSAG formed in 1973 in Cape Coast, the climax of the JUSAG @ 50 anniversary would be held in Cape Coast.
Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo urges JUSAG to embrace digital transformation for efficient service.
She emphasized that the Rule of Law is fundamental to any nation, and the advancement of digital technologies impacts all sectors, including the judiciary.
Addressing a JUSAG gathering in Cape Coast, she highlighted how technology enhances transparency, efficiency, and access to timely justice.
The theme of the forum was “Building the foundations of justice in the Ghanaian justice system,” marking the Chief Justice’s first public engagement with JUSAG and the broader judiciary. The event coincided with her 61st birthday celebration and the recognition of 25 retirees from the Central Region’s Service, who received certificates and refrigerators in honor of their distinguished service.
The Chief Justice also mentioned that the judicial system is transitioning from automation to an e-justice system, connecting all relevant stakeholders in the justice field, enabling virtual operations.
“An effective e-justice system makes clever use of digital technologies, information, communication, and knowledge management techniques to improve citizens’ access to justice whilst enabling efficiency, effectiveness, and time delivery of justice.
“In effect, it reduces financial and time-saving cost which means reduction of the cost of justice, and enhanced data security and high-quality legal datasets,” she indicated.
That, she said, will minimize the chances of corruption, speed up proceedings and facilitate the capacity to handle more cases with fewer staff.
The Chief Justice emphasized the judiciary’s continuous efforts to enhance the legal framework, ensuring the highest standards in justice delivery.
Regarding infrastructure, she acknowledged the challenges posed by the poor condition of some court premises and the absence of housing for judges, hindering effective justice delivery. She pledged her commitment to revitalizing the judicial infrastructure to improve accessibility to justice.
Specifically, she hinted at plans to relocate the Cape Coast Complex and commended her predecessors for their substantial contributions in this endeavor.
“Let me assure you that I have made my inquiries, and I am going to make it my singular priority to ensure the Cape Coast Complex moves to a new court facility very soon.
“I am hopeful that infrastructure development will motivate the judiciary to work harder and promote the rule of law in the country,” the Chief Justice assured.
The Chief Justice also advised staff not to engage in practices that undermine the smooth delivery of justice.
She emphasized that even though their working conditions might not be ideal, it should not serve as an excuse for corruption but rather encourage them to maintain their integrity.
Samuel Afotey Otu, President of JUSAG, expressed admiration for the Chief Justice’s innovative and outstanding leadership in enhancing the judicial system. He pledged to collaborate with her and the management to rebrand the Judicial Service and build on the achievements accomplished over the years.
The General Secretary of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has cautioned the public, urging them to refrain from assaulting or undermining the integrity of the judicial system.
In an interview with the media on Sunday, Abdulai Yakubu emphasized that such assaults represent not only an affront to the courts but also a direct threat to the national security of the country.
He elaborated on the pivotal role of the judiciary as the third branch of government, highlighting that any disruption in its efficient functioning could erode trust and destabilize the nation’s constitutional balance.
Yakubu stressed that the term “judiciary,” as defined in Article 126 of the constitution, primarily pertains to the court system.
Consequently, any form of aggression against the courts constitutes an attack on the entire judicial apparatus and the administration of justice in Ghana.
He also underscored the adverse impact of such attacks on the morale and independence of judges.
Judges, he emphasized, are meant to carry out their duties impartially and without fear or favor.
However, these attacks have the potential to instill concerns about their safety and, consequently, influence their decision-making process while dispensing justice.
Abdulai Yakubu’s comments came in the wake of a recent incident where residents of Tamale engaged in a riot on August 28 at the Tamale Circuit Court during the trial of a suspected drug supplier.
This disturbance resulted in injuries to three individuals and a police officer, prompting the police to use force to disperse the crowd and make 13 arrests.
In response to this incident, JUSAG condemned the attack and called upon citizens to support the courts in carrying out their operations without fear of intimidation or violence.
They also appealed to respected community leaders, religious figures, political leaders, and opinion shapers in Tamale and the Northern Region to lend their support to the judiciary and security services, ensuring that they can serve the public effectively.
Yakubu also attributed the attack on the court to a prevalent misunderstanding among the public regarding how the justice delivery system functions. He noted that despite the existence of educational initiatives on legal matters, legal illiteracy remains a significant issue in the country.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given his approval to the revised salary arrangement for the employees of Ghana’s Judicial Service (JUSAG).
According to an official statement, the updated salary scheme will come into effect starting from July 2023.
In May 2023, member of the Judicial Staff Association of Ghana indefinitely laid down their tools in protest of the failure of the Akufo-Addo government to review their salaries and approve a new salary structure.
Following engagements with the Ministry of Finance, JUSAG suspended the strike as a prerequisite for further deliberations on their grievances.
In a statement signed by JUSAG President, Samuel Afotey Out, dated Monday, July 17, 2023, the group announced the update on those further deliberations.
They also commended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for her role in getting them to this point.
“We are reassured by the letter of Her Ladyship Honourable Chief Justice dated 13th July 2023 which confirms that His Excellency the President of Ghana has approved the new salary structure, and implementation will be done in the month of July 2023 as indicated by the Ministry of Finance at the close of engagement.
“We are further gratified by the commitment of the Honourable Chief Justice to see to the passage into law a Judicial Service Regulation (Constitutional Instrument) in accordance with Article 158(2), 159, and the case of JUSAG vs The Attorney General &2 Ors (2016). We hope that comprehensive work on the CI will bring an end to the biennial strikes associated with salary reviews,” the statement said.
Read the contents of the full statement below:
IMPLEMENTATION OF REVIEWED SALARIES AND RELATED ALLOWANCES FOR STAFF OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE
(1) The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) wish to congratulate the Honourable Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkonoo on her assumption of office as the 15th Chief Justice and 3rd Lady Chief Justice to head the third arm of Government.
(2) Her assumption of office coincided with the difficult periods during which JUSAG was battling with Government over review of salaries and related allowances for staff of Judicial Service and the Lower Bench for 2023-2024 years.
(3) Though the process had been challenging, we are glad that her ingenuity and exceptional leadership with the support of other stakeholders led to conclusion of the engagement on the 15th of June 2023 with an understanding that implementation of the reviewed salaries will take effect in July 2023.
(4) We are reassured by the letter of Her Ladyship Honourable Chief Justice dated 13th July 2023 which confirms that His Excellency the President of Ghana has approved the new salary structure, and implementation will be done in the month of July 2023 as indicated by the Ministry of Finance at the close of engagement.
(5) We are further gratified by the commitment of the Honourable Chief Justice to see to the passage into law a Judicial Service Regulation (Constitutional Instrument) in accordance with Article 158(2), 159, and the case of JUSAG vs The Attorney General & 2 Ors (2016). We hope that comprehensive work on the CI will bring an end to the biennial strikes associated with salary reviews.
(6) The National Executive Council (NEC) of JUSAG wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to our mother Chief Justice for the good start, and to the immediate former Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah for his efforts. We shall work with her and Management to rebrand the Judicial Service and build upon the successes chalked by the Judiciary and the Judicial Service over the years.
(7) We equally wish to extend our felicitations to His Excellency the President of Ghana, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labour and Employment Relations
The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has expressed satisfaction with President Akufo-Addo’s decision to endorse the revised salaries and allowances of its members.
Previously, the Association had been protesting against what they perceived as the government’s lack of commitment to approving the agreed-upon terms, leading to an indefinite strike starting on May 24, 2023.
JUSAG had urgently requested the government’s attention regarding the implementation of the approved cost-of-living allowance for its members.
They subsequently sought the intervention of Chief Justice Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkonoo.
The Association stated that their engagement with the Chief Justice produced positive outcomes, confirming that the president has approved the reviewed salaries and other entitled allowances for JUSAG members.
The association in a statement indicated that though the process and engagement with the Chief Justice had been challenging, “we are glad that her ingenuity and exceptional leadership with the support of other stakeholders led to the conclusion of the engagement on the 15th of June 2023 with an understanding that implementation of the reviewed salaries will take effect in July 2023.”
“We are reassured by the letter of Her Ladyship Honourable Chief Justice dated 13th July 2023 which confirms that His Excellency the President of Ghana has approved the new salary structure, and implementation will be done in the month of July 2023 as indicated by the Ministry of Finance at the close of engagement,” the group further noted in the statement.
This suspension is intended to facilitate additional discussions between the association and the government regarding their demands.
During the announcement of the suspension following a meeting today, Monday, May 29, between the Office of the President, the Ministry of Employment and the National Labour Commission, JUSAG President Samuel Afotey Otu stated that if the government fails to adhere to the agreed-upon terms, the strike will resume on June 13.
“The ongoing strike is suspended for two weeks to pave way for engagement amongst parties in order to fast track the consideration, approval and payment of new salaries in the month of June 2023,” he said.
Ahead of this decision, JUSAG noted that the approval of the proposed remuneration structure and a payment schedule would be sufficient to end the ongoing statewide strike.
The Association made this known following an engagement with the Judicial Service.
The management of the Judicial Service invited executives of the striking group to a meeting on May 31 to address their concerns in a release dated May 25, 2023.
In a statement to the media, JUSAG’s General Secretary, Abdulai Yakubu, recognized the Judicial Service’s appeal but added that they would not change their decision unless they were provided with a payment schedule.
“We respect the call by the Judicial Secretary to meet, and we highly appreciate the intervention that is coming from the management. However, the meeting that has been called is a work in progress and not an end to meeting our demand. So, we will wait to get to the meeting before we make a decision,” he said.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the nominee for the position of Chief Justice, stated during her vetting on Friday, May 26, that procedures are in place to address the issues raised by JUSAG.
Justice delivery has been stalled as a result of JUSAG’s industrial action, which demands a pay raise and the payment of arrears dating back to January 2023.
The approval of the proposed remuneration structure and a payment schedule, according to the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), would be sufficient to end the ongoing statewide strike.
This comes after the Judicial Service urged JUSAG to end the strike.
Management of the Judicial Service invited executives of the striking group to a meeting on May 31 to address their concerns in a release dated May 25, 2023.
In a statement to the media, General Secretary of JUSAG Abdulai Yakubu recognized the Judicial Service’s appeal but added that they would not change their judgment unless they were given a payment schedule.
“We respect the call by the Judicial Secretary to meet, and we are highly appreciative of the intervention that is coming from the management. However, the meeting that has been called is a work in progress and not an end to meeting our demand. So we will wait to get to the meeting before we make a decision,” he said.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the nominee for the position of Chief Justice, stated during her vetting on Friday, May 26, that procedures are in place to address the issues raised by JUSAG.
Justice delivery is stalled as a result of JUSAG’s industrial action demanding a pay raise and the payment of arrears dating back to January 2023.
The approval of the proposed remuneration structure and a payment schedule, according to the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), would be sufficient to end the ongoing statewide strike.
This follows an appeal from the Judicial Service to JUSAG to call off the strike.
In a release dated May 25, 2023, management of the Judicial Service invited executives of the striking group for a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, to discuss their concerns.
Speaking to the media, General Secretary of JUSAG, Abdulai Yakubu, acknowledged the appeal by the Judicial Service, adding however that they will not back down on their decision until a payment plan is communicated to them.
“We respect the call by the Judicial Secretary to meet, and we are highly appreciative of the intervention that is coming from the management. However, the meeting that has been called is a work in progress and not an end to meeting our demand. So we will wait to get to the meeting before we make a decision,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice nominee, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, during her vetting on Friday, May 26, said processes are ongoing to address the concerns of JUSAG.
Justice delivery is in limbo as the industrial action by JUSAG over salary increase and payment of arrears since January 2023 continues to bite harder.
The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has stated that the approval of their proposed salary structure and the communication of a payment plan would be sufficient for them to halt their ongoing nationwide strike.
This comes in response to an appeal made by the Judicial Service to JUSAG, urging them to end the strike.
In a press release issued on May 25, 2023, the management of the Judicial Service invited the executives of JUSAG for a meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 31. The purpose of the meeting is to address the concerns raised by the striking group.
During an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Abdulai Yakubu, the General Secretary of JUSAG, acknowledged the appeal made by the Judicial Service. However, he emphasized that they would not reconsider their decision to strike until a concrete payment plan is communicated to them.
“We respect the call by the Judicial Secretary to meet, and we are highly appreciative of the intervention that is coming from the management. However, the meeting that has been called is a work in progress and not an end to meeting our demand. So we will wait to get to the meeting before we make a decision,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice nominee, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, during her vetting on Friday, May 26, said processes are ongoing to address the concerns of JUSAG.
Justice delivery is in limbo as the industrial action by JUSAG over salary increase and payment of arrears since January 2023 continues to bite harder.
Following a statement released by the Management of the Judicial Service asking all staff to report to work immediately, the Judicial Service Staff Association (JUSAG) has cautioned its members to disregard the notice as the strike continues till their demands are met.
Although the National Labour Commission (NLC) described the strike as illegal, JUSAG noted that the only body that can determine whether their action is illegal or otherwise, is a court of competent jurisdiction and until such court declares so.
They are also of the view that its outfit will not be moved by threats or intimidation from any organization.
Earlier report indicates that their call on government for a salary review for its members have fallen on deaf ears.
Though series of letters have been written to the Ministry of Finance demanding salary negotiations, the Ministry declined, a situation they describe as unfair treatment from the government to its members.
Read statement below:
UPDATE ON JUSAG STRIKE FOR DAY 2
There has been many attempts from various quarters to render our strike illegal and as we move on to the second day you will hear more.
Those threats should not intimidate any of our members in that the only body that can determine whether our action is illegal or otherwise, is a court of competent jurisdiction and until such court declares so, we shall continue to remain on strike.
In light of the above, we therefore direct our members of all ranks/positions to disregard calls, messages or directives to go to the office to work, in whatsoever capacity or function.
The Judicial Service has ordered members of the Judicial Service Staff Association (JUSAG) to “immediately†call off their strike and return to work.
Courts and legal services have come to a halt following the declaration of an indefinite strike by the group after a meeting on Tuesday until concerns of their allowance and salary discrepancies were duly addressed.
The National Labour Commission, in reaction, declared the action illegal as it said the Commission is currently working on the concerns.
The Executive Secretary of the NLC, Mr Ofosu Asamoah told Valentina Ofori-Afriyie on 505 on Tuesday, 12 November 2019 that the NLC will meet JUSAG in court if they fail to call off the strike and resume work.
But JUSAG will not budge.
As a result of the strike, court clerks, recorders (typists) and other staff failed to show up for work on Wednesday.
In response, the Judicial Service issued an edict through a statement, saying the “management of the Judicial Service has noted with concern that in spite of the National Labour Commission, on the 12th of November 2019 declaring the intended strike of the Judicial Service Staff Association (JUSAG) illegal, JUSAG proceeded to embark upon strike action on 13 November 2019. We, therefore, call on all staff of the Judicial Service to report to work with immediate effect.â€
“All judges and magistrates are also requested to attend to work as usual. Management advises the general public that all courts are functioning and are open for serviceâ€, the statement said.
JUSAG, however, insists it will not call off the strike.
A statement by JUSAG stated that “in the year 2017, the Ministry of Finance sought to cancel the payment of rent allowance to our members and after several protests, the Judicial Council, Government and the Association resolved the issue in 2018 and for implementation in the year 2019.â€
The statement added that “in 2019, the Association wrote for the salary negotiations on 26th April 2019 and subsequently served a reminder on 29th, July 2019. On 15th October 2019, the Judicial Council mandated to review our salaries and other salary-related matters under the 1992 Constitution set up a committee and considered the proposals of the Association. At the meeting, it was resolved that the decisions of the meeting will be forwarded to the Presidency for approval and same captured in the National Budget for the year 2020.â€
“It has, however, come to our attention that the Ministry of Finance has rather slated our salary review for the year 2020 and for implementation in the year 2021. The Association vehemently disagrees with the position taken by Government,â€
JUSAG at a meeting held on 31st October 2019 resolved as follows;
That all staff of the Judicial Service shall put on red-arm bands and hoist red flags in the courts, nationwide effective Tuesday 5th November 2019 That all staff of the Judicial Service shall embark on an indefinite strike, beginning Wednesday 13th November 2019 until further notice. That staff of the Judicial Service are entreated to observe the above directives without fail.
