NLC sues JUSAG over “lawless” strike

The National Labour Commission (NLC) is filing a writ in court to compel members of the Judicial Service Starr Association of Ghana (JUSAG) to end what it described as “a lawless” strike.

According to the NLC, the JUSAG strike is illegal and must return to work as both parties were still in negotiation and have not exhausted the process.

The NLC has given both parties up to June 8 to return to the negotiation table.

“We have noticed that contrary to the provisions of the Labour Act which requires any organization which intends to embark on strike action or lockout must notify the NLC at least seven days … and there was no such notice by JUSAG,” the NLC’s executive secretary Charles Adongo Bawa Duah told Accra-based Joy FM.

“As a result the Commission came to the decision that the intended action was illegal and directed the parties to go back to the negotiation table… The strike is clearly in contravention of the Labour Act and clearly JUSAG is acting in a lawless manner… it’s unfortunate and as a country we must respect our laws.”

According to him, JUSAG is acting in “gross disregard to the commission’s decision.”

“The Judicial process of Ghana must not come to a complete halt,” he opined when his attention was drawn to the fact that those who are supposed to process the suit are on strike.

The leadership of JUSAG last Thursday declared an indefinite nationwide strike over delays in the implementation of the consolidated salaries and emoluments of their members. According to JUSAG, the withdrawal of services of members will continue until all their demands are met.