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JUSAG members ordered to return to work

By Justice Kofi Bimpeh
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The Judicial Service Secretariat has ordered members of the Judicial Service Staff Association (JUSAG) to call off their ongoing strike and return to work.

According to the service, the strike by the Association is illegal hence its order.

In a release issued by the Judicial Service, members of the public are being asked to note that courts are opened for business as JUSAG rescinds its decision.

“Management of the Judicial Service has noted with concern, that in spite of the National Labour Commission on the 12th of November 2029 declaring the intended strike of Judicial Service Staff Association (JUSAG) illegal, JUSAG proceeded to embark upon strike action on 13th November 2019. We, therefore, call on all staff of the Judicial Service to report to work with immediate effect.”

“All Judges and Magistrates are also requested to attend to work as usual. Management advises the general public that all courts are functioning and are open for service”, the statement directed.

Some courts in Accra and Kumasi on Wednesday showed the absence of JUSAG members as most courtrooms were not functioning with most lawyers and their clients left stranded.

Strike

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), Tuesday, told their members not to report to work from Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

This action, they said will continue until further notice. JUSAG in a statement said after meeting with the National Labour Commission, they failed to come to a consensus on matters regarding the review of their salary.

They, therefore, said they are left with no option than to embark on an indefinite strike.

READ ALSO: Court processes and proceedings to stall as judicial service workers begin indefinite strike

Portions of their statement read: "After our meeting with the National Labour Commission on 11th November 2019, the leadership of the JUSAG had a meeting with our Regional Executives and our rank and file. They resolved that since we have already complied with the procedures under the 1992 Constitution regarding our conditions of service, we should proceed accordingly"

“JUSAG is left with no option than to declare an indefinite strike action…” the statement said in part.

The association, however, said, “the security personnel of the Judicial Service, shall, however, report to work to protect life and property.”

Illegal strike

The National Labour Commission, NLC has described the intended strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association (JUSAG) as illegal.

A statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Ofosu Asamoah declared the intended strike action by JUSAG as being contrary to section 161 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) and consequently illegal.

The Labour Commission exercising its powers under section 139 of Act 651, directed JUSAG to refrain from embarking on the strike or any intended industrial action and further directed them to comply with its earlier directives.

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