JUSAG threatens indefinite strike from November 2 over delayed salary review

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has given the government until the end of October 2026 to approve its members' revised salaries and allowances or face an indefinite nationwide strike beginning Monday, November 2.

The Association says its members have waited nearly ten months for the implementation of their 2026 salary review despite repeated engagements with the Judicial Council, Judicial Service management and the government.

In a formal notice dated October 23, 2026, addressed to the National Labour Commission, JUSAG demanded the approval of the salary recommendations submitted by the Judicial Council, together with payment of the revised salaries in November and arrears covering January to October 2026.

The Association warned that failure to meet these demands would leave it with no alternative but to withdraw its members' services indefinitely.

Salary recommendations awaiting approval

According to JUSAG, the Judicial Council has completed the review of salaries and allowances for Judicial Service employees and submitted its recommendations to the President for determination.

The process is being undertaken pursuant to Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and the Judicial Service (Terms and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2025 (C.I. 141).

However, the Association expressed concern that the recommendations remain unapproved despite the passage of several months.

JUSAG noted that while other public sector workers began receiving their reviewed salaries in January 2026, employees of the Judicial Service have continued to work without the corresponding adjustments.

It described the situation as particularly worrying, given that organised labour has already commenced discussions on the national base pay for 2027.

Repeated appeals yield no results

The Association disclosed that it had made several attempts to secure the implementation of the revised salaries before resorting to the threat of industrial action.

It first petitioned the Judicial Council on January 19, 2026, requesting that the review process be expedited.

A follow-up letter was subsequently submitted on September 10 after the earlier engagement failed to produce the expected outcome.

The matter was also raised during JUSAG's second Quadrennial Delegates' Conference in Tamale in August, the 45th Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana Conference in Accra in September, and the Chief Justice's Staff Durbar held in Tamale that same month.

Despite assurances received during these engagements, JUSAG maintained that no concrete steps had been taken to ensure the payment of the revised salaries.

The Association said the prolonged delay had affected staff morale and generated increasing dissatisfaction among its members.

Association warns of disruption to justice delivery

JUSAG acknowledged that a nationwide withdrawal of services could have serious consequences for the administration of justice.

It explained that its leadership had consistently encouraged members to remain patient because of the importance of Judicial Service staff to court operations and the broader justice system.

However, the Association maintained that continued delays had made it increasingly difficult to persuade members to exercise further restraint.

Its National Executive Council has consequently resolved to proceed with industrial action unless the outstanding demands are addressed.

Under the ultimatum, the government is expected to approve the salary recommendations by October 31 and commit to paying the revised salaries and accumulated arrears in November.

Strike to begin November 2 if demands remain unmet

JUSAG has made it clear that its planned industrial action will commence on Monday, November 2, 2026, if the government fails to meet its demands by Sunday, November 1.

The Association indicated that the strike would remain in force until the salary concerns are resolved.

The notice was signed by JUSAG General Secretary Abdulai Yakubu.

The development raises the possibility of disruptions to court administration across the country should the Association proceed with the planned industrial action.

For now, the proposed strike remains conditional on the government's response to the Association's demands.