JUSAG cites pay disparities, working conditions in defence of strike

The General Secretary of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), Abdulai Yakubu, has cited disparities between judicial workers’ legal entitlements and their actual take-home pay, alongside the strict professional standards they are required to uphold, as reasons for the association’s ongoing strike.

According to him, the Judicial Service employees are held to high standards of integrity and professionalism but are not adequately remunerated in line with the conditions they are expected to work under.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, November 5, Mr Yakubu said the financial difficulties confronting some workers have become so severe that a number of them struggle to meet basic needs, including transportation to and from work.

He recounted instances where workers have told him they cannot return home after closing because they cannot afford transport.

“Sometimes you close, you meet people, what time are you closing? I'm not going home. I can't go home. General, I can't go home. I said why? I can't afford transport to go home,” he said.

Mr Yakubu stressed that the issue goes beyond the salaries workers receive, pointing to what he described as a significant gap between their legally established entitlements and actual take-home pay.

He cited an example of an employee entitled to GH¢3,000 but receiving about GH¢1,500 as take-home pay.

“I can tell you that somebody who is entitled to, let's say, 3,000 Ghana cedis is paid, let's say, around 1,500. And that will be a take-home salary. Somebody entitled to 1,500. Negotiated for 3,000, you are paying 1,500,” he said.

He questioned why judicial workers should have to negotiate for benefits and remuneration that are already provided for by law.

“The law provides for 3,000 cedis, and you are paid 1,500. Why do we have to negotiate when it comes to application of law?” he asked.

The JUSAG General Secretary also drew attention to the strict ethical and professional requirements imposed on judicial service employees.

He said workers are prohibited from accepting gifts from individuals, with such conduct potentially attracting serious disciplinary action, including dismissal.

They are also barred from engaging in partisan politics and are required to adhere to a prescribed dress code.

He said that these expectations should be matched by remuneration that reflects the standards and responsibilities of the work they perform.

“And we're saying that once we are subjected to this high-level standard of integrity in the work we do, then pay us by the standards that we are supposed to work with,” he said.

Mr Yakubu further questioned why judicial service employees appear to face difficulties in securing their entitlements compared with workers in other public institutions.

He cited employees of the Parliamentary Service, saying their salaries are regulated by law and paid in accordance with the provisions.

He also questioned why employees of the Office of the President do not appear to face similar challenges in securing their remuneration.

“Why does it have to be judicial service staff, employees serving the third arm of government?” he asked.