Federal High Court workers begin strike over unpaid salary adjustments

Members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Federal High Court Chapter, have begun an indefinite strike, citing the federal government’s failure to meet their demands for salary increases and the implementation of the new minimum wage.

The industrial action follows the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the government to address outstanding issues, including a 25% and 35% salary increase, the wage award, and full implementation of the revised minimum wage.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Comrade Samuel Ikpatt, Chairman of JUSUN’s Federal High Court Chapter, confirmed that the strike affects all federal courts, including the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, and the National Industrial Court.

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Ikpatt explained that union members had not received the payments owed to them under the new wage structure. The statement noted that JUSUN had earlier instructed its members to prepare for industrial action if their demands were not met before January 23, 2025.

“Sequel to the attached circular from our union National Secretariat, [we] write to notify the Management that we shall be proceeding on an indefinite strike action after the expiration of Twenty-one (21) days this notice commencing from Thursday, the 23rd of January, 2025,” the statement read.

Ikpatt added, “The above resolved is as a result of inaction on the non-implementation of the new minimum wage, 25% & 35% of salary increase and the Wage Award. Kindly note that the impending strike could be averted if urgent steps are taken to ensure payment to our members before the expiration of the notice.”

The union emphasized that only immediate government intervention would prevent the continuation of the strike.