Tension Rises As JUSUN Declares Indefinite Strike Despite DSS Talks, Supreme Court Pullout

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Federal High Court Chapter, has reaffirmed its decision to commence an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, June 2, 2025, despite the Supreme Court chapter’s decision to opt out.

A senior JUSUN official informed SaharaReporters on Sunday evening that a critical four-hour meeting held earlier that day with top officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) ended in a deadlock, with no resolution reached.

“Despite the Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council pulling out, the strike will proceed. We met with the DSS Director General and Director of Operations at their headquarters for four hours,” the source revealed.

The official also disclosed that another meeting, initiated by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), is expected soon and will include all relevant stakeholders. Until then, the strike directive remains in effect.

JUSUN Instructs Workers to Stay Off Duty

Comrade Mohammed Isah, Secretary of the JUSUN Supreme Court Chapter (SCA), confirmed the ongoing industrial action in a brief message on Sunday, stating: “We’ve just concluded a meeting with key stakeholders, but JUSUN insists on continuing the strike. All staff are advised to remain at home until further notice. Another meeting is scheduled for tomorrow as the strike continues.”

Earlier reports indicated that the Supreme Court chapter had chosen not to participate in the strike. This decision came after an emergency executive meeting held on May 31 at the Supreme Court complex.

In its communique, the chapter cited ongoing engagements and the distinct nature of its institutional setting as reasons for its decision.

“The Supreme Court Chapter of JUSUN resolves not to participate in the proposed industrial action by the Federal Courts, which is set to begin on June 1, 2025,” the statement read.

The chapter acknowledged the broader concerns raised by judiciary staff nationwide but emphasized that the Supreme Court’s situation called for a different strategy. It also praised the efforts of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, in addressing outstanding financial grievances affecting court workers.

The communique was endorsed by twelve executive members of the chapter, including Comrades Danladi Nda Y., Bala Sambo, Bala Nuhu Aseku, and others.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court Chapter of JUSUN had issued a circular on Saturday confirming the start of the strike. The union accused the federal government of reneging on previously agreed terms related to wage increases.

In a circular dated May 30, 2025, JUSUN directed all staff of the Federal High Court across Nigeria to remain off duty starting Monday.

JUSUN’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Gideon A. Maku, stated that the strike was prompted by the collapse of negotiations with the Minister of Labour and Employment on Friday, May 30, 2025.

“Due to failed talks and lack of commitment from the government, the Union has resolved to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, June 2,” the circular read.

“All judiciary staff are hereby instructed to stay home until further notice.”

The union is demanding the payment of five months’ salary arrears, the implementation of the new ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and the enforcement of the 25% and 35% salary increase for judiciary workers.