The Ghana Bar Association (GBA), is urging government and the National Labour Commission to speed up efforts aimed at resolving the grievances of the striking workers of the Judicial Service.
Members of the Judicial Service Staff Association (JUSSAG), laid down their tools last week over government’s failure to approve their adjusted salaries and allowances despite an agreement to that effect.
The National Labour Commission has described the strike as illegal and has gone to court to compel them to return to work while negotiations continue; but JUSSAG is yet to suspend its action.
[contextly_sidebar id=”95jY3IYUScgv1PKPH40O3K5KZjvy4wc8″]A statement signed by the President of GBA, Benson Nutsukpui, said it is unfortunate for government to allow the judicial staff to go on strike “considering its adverse effect on the administration of justice in the country.”
“We specifically entreat the Government to immediately expedite action on all matters relating to the implementation of the consolidation of salaries of staff of the Judicial Service once and for all.”
Mr. Nutsukpui further observed that the strike has rendered adjudication of cases “impossible” because “work in our courts has virtually ground to a halt.”
“The result is that citizens seeking justice in our courts are being deprived of the audience and adjudication that they deserve and have a right to,” the GBA president lamented.
“The Bar considers as unfortunate, the recurrent situation where such labour matters are not addressed timeously, leading to avoidable industrial actions that cost the nation and its citizens in ways that may never be fully appreciated. It is important that the government and the Labour commission attend to and address such issues with dispatch to avoid unfortunate consequences,” he added.
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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin