The Federal High Court complex in Abuja is currently under lock and key because of the strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
On Monday, members of JUSUN at the Federal High Court decided to take strong action by locking the gates, preventing judges, lawyers, court staff, and litigants from entering the complex.
This strike is part of an indefinite action called by the union’s national leaders.
A visit to the court premises showed that all the entrances were securely locked by the striking workers.
As a result, judges, legal professionals, and the public found themselves stranded outside, causing all legal proceedings and activities to come to a complete halt.
JUSUN’s national leaders had issued a notice on May 30, instructing all local chapters to have their members stop work at midnight on June 1.
This decision was made after a long and unsuccessful discussion with the minister of labour and employment, who was trying to help resolve issues faced by the union.
In their statement, JUSUN emphasized that the strike will continue until further notice.
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They outlined several demands, including the government paying five months of unpaid wages, implementing a minimum wage of ₦70,000, and increasing salaries by 25-35 percent.
They expressed their commitment to solidarity among union members.
Attempts to speak with union leaders about the strike have been unsuccessful, as they are busy strategizing.
Although reports were suggesting that some local chapters of JUSUN might not be joining the strike, as at 9:48 am, the gates to the Federal High Court remained locked, showing strong support for the action.
The workers from the Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council (NJC) have earlier decided against participating in the planned strike.
JUSUN had instructed its members across all federal courts and judicial institutions to stop working starting Monday.
