The National Labour Commission (NLC) has summoned the Judicial Service Staff Association (JUSAG) and the Finance Minister to appear before the Commission next week.
Per the notice, the parties are to appear before the Commission on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2pm.
The invitation by the Commission follows JUSAG’s threat to embark on strike action on January 19 if salary arrears for its members are not paid.
In a letter addressed to the Finance Ministry and JUSAG, the Commission said it has called for a hearing of the issues to resolve the matter in exercise of its powers under section a39 of the Labour Act, (2003), Act 651.
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The NLC has since advised JUSAG to suspend its intended strike pending the resolution of the matter.
“The National Labour Commission, in exercise of its powers under section 139 of the Labour Act, (2003), Act 651, writes to summon the parties to appear before the Commission on Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 at 2:00 pm for a hearing of the issues in dispute.
“With this intervention, the Association is advised to stay the intended action(s) and appear as scheduled,” the letter stated.
JUSAG has threatened to embark on strike action on January 19 if salary arrears for its members are not paid.
In a notice of intended industrial action addressed to the National Labour Commission and dated January 12, 2026, JUSAG said the decision follows prolonged engagements with the Ministry of Finance and other government authorities which have failed to yield results.
According to the association, the President approved a 10 per cent base pay increase for Judicial Service staff for 2025, effective January 1, 2025, in line with adjustments granted to other public sector workers. However, while other workers benefitted from the adjustment in full, JUSAG noted that implementation for its members was delayed.
The association explained that payment of the related allowances was only effected in September 2025, with assurances from government that the remaining arrears covering January to August 2025 would be paid later within the 2025 fiscal year.
JUSAG said despite several follow-ups and written assurances, the eight months’ salary arrears remain unpaid. A letter sent to the Judicial Council in December 2025 requesting payment of the arrears, the association noted, did not result in any action, even after management gave further assurances.
Describing the situation as unbearable, JUSAG stressed that its members, who serve within the Judiciary as the third arm of government, play a critical role in maintaining law, order and stability in the country.