JUSAG warns of indefinite strike starting November 2 over salary delays

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has served notice of an indefinite strike set to begin on Monday, November 2, 2026. This industrial action is a response to what the association describes as the government's continued failure to approve and implement a 2026 salary and allowance review. JUSAG has set a deadline of November 1 for the government to meet its demands, which include the immediate approval of the new salary structure and the payment of all arrears accumulated since January 2026.

In a notice dated October 23, JUSAG leadership expressed deep frustration over prolonged delays, noting that their members are facing significant financial hardships. The association highlighted that other public sector employees have already begun receiving their updated salaries for the year, leaving judicial staff feeling neglected. According to JUSAG, multiple appeals made to the Judicial Council and the government, including notifications sent to President John Mahama, have yielded no concrete results, severely impacting staff morale across the country.

Following the strike notification, the National Labour Commission (NLC) has intervened by directing the Minister of Jobs, Labour and Employment Relations to engage the association in immediate dialogue. In a letter dated October 26, NLC Executive Secretary Dr. Bernice A. Welbeck urged both parties to resolve the underlying issues related to the adjustments. The commission has requested a formal report on the outcome of these discussions by November 6, 2026, while advising JUSAG to postpone the planned industrial action in accordance with the Labour Act of 2003.

JUSAG has warned that a total shutdown of the courts would have a significant impact on justice delivery and national security. The association maintains that the salary reviews are a constitutional requirement governed by the 1992 Constitution and the Judicial Service Regulations. While the NLC seeks a mediated resolution, the association's leadership has urged its members to exercise restraint while remaining prepared for industrial action if the government fails to act by the end of October.