JUSAG to meet NLC over possible strike action in Ghana

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has been summoned by the National Labour Commission (NLC) for a hearing of their issues over their possible strike action. The leadership of JUSAG has been asked to appear before the commission on Wednesday, May 10 at 11:30 AM. This move by the NLC has directed the union to hold on any planned action for now.

JUSAG had earlier given the government until Friday, May 12, to approve and pay their new salaries including all arrears from January to May 2023, or face industrial action. However, there was no response from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on members’ new salaries as of close of Friday, May 5. This led to the union announcing the activation of its industrial action plans.

The NLC has been duly notified on the intention to proceed on strike in accordance with Sections 159-161 of the Ghana Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). If the government does not respond favourably by May 12, all staff of the Judicial Service will wear red armbands from Monday, May 15 “and that shall continue for one week”.

In a notice to its members, JUSAG’s General Secretary Abdulai Yakubu said a full-blown strike will be declared from Monday, May 22 if the government does not address their grievances within the preceding week. The indefinite strike will remain in force until the approval and payment of the new salaries with all the arrears from January to May 2023 are paid.

For the most part, the JUSAG leadership is seeking a review of salaries and allowance packages for its members in accordance with market trends. According to them, this has become necessary due to the economic situation in the country, especially in relation to the effects of COVID-19. They argue that the government has not done enough to improve their working conditions and ensure that their wages are commensurate with the work they do.

In a nutshell, the impending strike action by JUSAG could have significant implications for the functioning of the country’s justice system if the government fails to respond favourably to their demands. It is therefore important that a resolution is found quickly to avoid any disruption to the administration of justice in the country.