JUSUN Strike: Latest on Judiciary Workers’ Negotiations
Nigerian Judiciary Workers Set to Strike: A Nation on Edge
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike set to begin on June 2, 2025, in response to unresolved wage agreements and poor working conditions.
Despite the Supreme Court chapter withdrawing from the planned protest, other chapters, including the Federal High Court, have affirmed their commitment to the strike action.
The union’s decision follows a series of stalled negotiations with government representatives, most recently a four-hour meeting with the Department of State Services (DSS) that ended without a resolution.
Why JUSUN is Striking: Unfulfilled Promises and Frustration
At the core of the industrial action is the government’s failure to fulfill its promises regarding improved salaries, unpaid arrears, and poor working conditions for judiciary workers.
The strike announcement reflects mounting dissatisfaction within the judiciary, as efforts to reach a compromise have repeatedly stalled.
JUSUN argues that the strike is not just about pay—it’s a demand for dignity, respect, and the fulfillment of long-overdue commitments.
Consequences for Nigeria’s Legal System
Should the strike proceed as planned, federal courts across the country will shut down, disrupting thousands of ongoing legal proceedings.
From civil litigants to criminal cases, the justice delivery system faces the risk of grinding to a halt. Lawyers and court users are bracing for widespread delays and uncertainty.
Legal practitioners warn that prolonged industrial action may further erode public trust in an already overstretched and underfunded judicial system.
Supreme Court’s Withdrawal: A Divided Front
The Supreme Court’s decision to abstain from the strike has drawn attention to internal divisions within JUSUN.
According to sources, the apex court’s chapter cited its ongoing engagements with authorities and operational limitations as reasons for its non-participation.
This move has sparked mixed reactions, with some judiciary staff accusing the Supreme Court of abandoning the broader cause. Nonetheless, the rift underscores the complexity of organizing unified labor action across a multi-layered judicial structure.
Government Response: Slow and Reactive
Government officials, including the Minister of Labour and Employment, have yet to present concrete steps toward resolving JUSUN’s demands.
Critics accuse the government of being reactive rather than proactive—waiting for crises to escalate before intervening.
There is growing concern that the government’s failure to act decisively may embolden more labor groups to strike, compounding existing economic and institutional challenges.
DSS Mediation Falls Short
In a bid to avert the strike, the Department of State Services (DSS) recently held an emergency mediation session with JUSUN officials.
However, the four-hour discussion yielded no breakthrough. Judiciary workers say they are tired of repeated meetings that lead nowhere.
The union insists that any further dialogue must include binding commitments and clear timelines for implementation—not vague promises.
Public Sentiment: Divided but Watchful
Nigerians remain divided over the strike. Many support JUSUN’s demands, recognizing the essential role judicial workers play in upholding the rule of law.
Others, however, worry about the broader consequences, including delayed justice and prolonged detention for awaiting-trial inmates.
The strike has reignited debates on labor rights, judicial reform, and government accountability.
Long-Term Implications for the Judiciary
Experts warn that continued labor unrest in the judiciary could damage the country’s legal framework and weaken confidence in democratic institutions.
Without urgent intervention, the strike could set a precedent for more widespread disruption.
Analysts say that only meaningful reform, including better funding, structured wage reviews, and institutional autonomy, can restore stability to the judiciary.
Key Stakeholders and the Road Ahead
The resolution of this crisis will depend on the actions of several key stakeholders:
- JUSUN leadership, which remains steadfast in its demands
- The Federal Government, which holds the levers of policy and budgetary control
- Judiciary heads, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who must mediate internally
- Civil society and legal advocacy groups, who continue to press for reform
If these parties fail to collaborate, the impact of the strike could extend far beyond the courtroom—touching every facet of Nigeria’s legal, political, and civic life.
JUSUN Strike: Latest on Judiciary Workers’ Negotiations