The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria has suspended its nationwide strike that began on Monday.
The decision came after a meeting between JUSUN leadership and representatives of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
A communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by all stakeholders stated the suspension followed extensive deliberations on the issues that led to the industrial action. The document outlined key agreements reached between the parties.
JUSUN agreed to allow a one-month negotiation period mediated by the CJN, Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong, the Nigeria Labour Congress, and other stakeholders.
The Federal Government committed to releasing judiciary funds within the same one-month timeframe, with immediate implementation of JUSUN’s demands upon receipt of the funds.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, JUSUN’s demands include implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage with arrears, a 25-35 per cent salary increase for judiciary workers, and payment of five months’ wage award arrears.
The communiqué stated that after considering the CJN’s commitments, JUSUN and its organs agreed to suspend the strike. The union subsequently directed all members nationwide to resume work on Wednesday.
The resolution comes as the judiciary seeks to prevent prolonged disruptions to court operations across the country. Stakeholders will now focus on the one-month negotiation window to address the union’s longstanding demands regarding improved welfare and working conditions for judiciary staff.
The strike action followed months of unsuccessful negotiations between JUSUN and the federal government over welfare packages and judiciary funding. The union had previously warned of inevitable industrial action if their demands remained unmet.
