- By Halimah Olamide
Members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Ogun on Tuesday have announced the suspension of their indefinite strike action which began on April 8.
The union announced this through a statement in Abeokuta signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Adewale Adenekan.
The union had embarked on the strike over the non-payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance by the state government.
The statement said its National Officers and the Ogun JUSUN Executive Committee members had on Monday held a meeting with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
It said the meeting also had in attendance the state Chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC).
“After the meeting with the representatives of the State Government, the authenticity of the union’s demand was established and the State Government realised its mistakes in the failure to involve the JUSUN executive in the negotiation process which led to the approval and implementation of the Peculiar Allowance.
“The state government said this was because JUSUN is not a member of JNC.
“However, the bone of contention is now the timing of the implementation of the union’s demand, putting into consideration the imminent announcement by the Federal Government of the new minimum wage which is expected on May 1.
“This will be billed for implementation between May and June 2024 for both Federal and State workers,” Adenekan stated.
“After much discussion on the matter, it was agreed that JUSUN’s demands should be treated together with the full implementation of CONJUSS alongside the minimum/living wage negotiation and implementation,” he added.
The union further said it was equally agreed that JUSUN would be given a slot in the technical committee for the negotiation and implementation of the minimum wage in the state.
It pointed out that this would give the union an opportunity to effect its dem ands, as well as the full implementation of CONJUSS and other benefits.
“This is a very difficult moment for both the leadership and members of the union, but we believe this is a fair agreement that will benefit the union and its members in the long term.
“In view of the above, the National Officers and JUSUN leadership of Ogun State, having reviewed the proceedings of the meeting, decided to suspend the indefinite strike action,” Adenekan said.
The union thereby directed all its members to resume work by Wednesday.
“The union will continue to engage the State Government towards the actualisation of its demands.
“We look forward to continue to provide our esteemed members with excellent and quality leadership,” it stated.