Ebonyi State government threatens to sack civil servants striking over pay structure

EBONYI State government has issued an ultimatum to its civil servants who are members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (Jusun) telling them that they must end their strike and return to work today of face the sack.

Yesterday, Jusun members in Ebonyi State commenced industrial action over the non-implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CJSS). Chamberlain Nwele, the Ebonyi State head of service, said that Governor David Umahi considers the strike as an act of sabotage which the government will not tolerate.

He added: “Jusun members are directed to return to work on Friday, August 14 or risk being dismissed from service. Attendance of judiciary staff will be taken by state government officials, to aid payment of August 2020 salary.”

“This is a period when other states of the federation are unable to pay workers’ salaries due to the negative impact of Covid-19.”

Mr Nwele said that the state has ensured that salaries are paid despite the pandemic. He called the agitation for salary increase at a time the state’s revenue is on steady decline unpatriotic.