Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
The crisis between the Kwara State Government and its striking law officers has deepened after the national leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) rejected the government’s threat to invoke a “no work, no pay” policy against workers participating in the industrial action.
The union described the move as unlawful, provocative and capable of worsening the dispute, warning that it could mobilise nationwide solidarity actions if the Kwara State Government fails to address the concerns of the affected law officers through dialogue.
The latest development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing industrial dispute, which has disrupted legal services across Kwara State and raised concerns about access to justice for residents.
Union condemns government’s position
JUSUN said the “no work, no pay” threat was unacceptable, insisting that workers have a constitutional and statutory right to embark on industrial action after exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
According to the union, rather than intimidate workers with salary deductions, the Kwara State Government should engage representatives of the striking law officers to reach an amicable resolution.
Union leaders argued that industrial disputes are better resolved through negotiation than confrontation, warning that punitive measures could damage labour-government relations.
They maintained that the strike was not politically motivated but arose from unresolved welfare and employment issues affecting law officers in the state.
Nationwide action threatened
The union warned that if the state government proceeds with salary deductions or victimisation of members, organised labour could expand the dispute beyond Kwara State.
It stated that labour organisations across Nigeria are closely monitoring developments and may be compelled to intervene if the rights of workers are violated.
Officials said the dispute should serve as an opportunity for constructive engagement rather than an avenue for threats.
The warning underscores the possibility that what began as a state-level labour disagreement could evolve into a wider industrial conflict involving judicial workers and affiliated unions.
Background to the strike
The industrial action was initiated by law officers in Kwara State over grievances relating to employment conditions, welfare packages and other issues they say have remained unresolved despite repeated engagements with the government.
The strike has affected legal advisory services, prosecution of criminal matters, civil litigation involving the government and other official legal functions handled by the state’s Ministry of Justice.
Legal practitioners say prolonged disruption could slow judicial processes and delay the administration of justice across the state.
While the government has insisted that essential public services should continue uninterrupted, union leaders argue that workers cannot be expected to perform their duties without adequate attention to their legitimate demands.
Government invokes labour rule
The Kwara State Government recently warned that workers absent from duty during the strike risk losing their salaries under the “no work, no pay” principle.
Authorities argued that public servants who fail to report to work should not expect remuneration for periods during which services were not rendered.
Government officials have maintained that the policy aligns with existing public service regulations and labour laws governing industrial actions.
However, labour unions dispute this interpretation, insisting that courts have, in several instances, recognised circumstances where workers participating in lawful industrial action retain legal protections.
The disagreement over the application of the principle has become one of the central issues in the dispute.
Labour experts urge dialogue
Industrial relations experts have advised both parties to prioritise negotiations before the situation escalates further.
According to labour analysts, disputes involving public sector employees often require sustained dialogue, mediation and compromise to protect both workers’ rights and public interest.
They warned that prolonged industrial actions could affect governance, judicial administration and public confidence in state institutions.
Experts also stressed that threats and counter-threats rarely produce lasting industrial peace.
Implications for justice delivery
The strike has already had visible consequences for legal operations within the state.
Court-related activities requiring the participation of government law officers have experienced delays, while legal opinions and documentation involving ministries and agencies have reportedly slowed.
Residents seeking government legal services could continue experiencing disruptions if the dispute remains unresolved.
Businesses with pending government legal matters may also face delays, potentially affecting commercial activities.
Observers say prolonged disagreements within the justice sector could undermine efforts to improve the efficiency of legal institutions.
Calls for compromise
Civil society organisations and members of the legal community have urged both the Kwara State Government and the striking workers to return to the negotiating table.
Many believe that dialogue remains the most effective path toward restoring normal operations while safeguarding workers’ welfare.
They also called on relevant federal labour institutions to facilitate mediation if direct negotiations fail.
Labour stakeholders argue that industrial harmony is essential to maintaining effective governance and uninterrupted public service delivery.
Wider significance
The Kwara dispute reflects broader labour challenges confronting several state governments in Nigeria, where disagreements over remuneration, working conditions and welfare frequently result in industrial actions.
The outcome of the current standoff could influence future labour relations involving government-employed legal officers and other public servants across the country.
Should negotiations fail, analysts warn that the dispute may encourage similar solidarity actions by labour unions in other states.
For now, attention remains focused on whether both parties will embrace dialogue or continue along a path that could lead to broader industrial unrest.
As negotiations remain uncertain, workers, legal practitioners and residents alike await a resolution that balances workers’ rights with the uninterrupted administration of justice.
Sources:
- Punch Newspapers
- The Nation Newspaper
- Leadership Newspaper
- Daily Trust
- Nigerian labour union statements
