AUGUSTINE CHIEJINE Chairman, JUDICIARY STAFF UNION OF NIGERIA (JUSUN) DELTA STATE.

Augustine Chiejine is the chairman, Judiciary Staff Union, Delta State. He attended Emotan Primary School, Benin City and Federal Government College ido-ani, Ondo State. And Edo State University where he studied physics, and has a Masters in Solid State Physics. And has taken time to study Law at the National Open  University

He delved partly in student union politics but, actively became involved in Labour union by 2003, where he  became a secretary of Association of Senior Civil Servants. 2003-2009. Till the  Court registrars association became JUSUN.

The last election of 2011 who held and he was the vice chairman and when the chairman retired, I was ratified as the chairman of JUSUN on April 20, 2015

Labour Log: Your First Impression.

Comrade Chiejine: That in unionism, you must be ready to make productive engagement with stakeholders rendered by your members. That I had to struggle for my members. Learning to stand firm for what i know is right. Ready to be arrested or face. Intimidation. And face challenges but with a vibrant union, you have no fear, facing management in negotiation.

I was involved in a negotiation 2009/2010. I had to be part of the team to meet government.  My discovery is that government demands quality constructive engagement. It helps in shifting ground. But, aggression on the side of both parties escalates issues. In 2013, I was involved in the payment of peculiar allowance that it has been approved by salaries and wages commission and being at the Federal level.

In negotiating with government, we bring our issues meet with them, armed with our facts and when we see the feedback, we look at the grey areas, call a congress and let them know their views. It is the congress that makes the union strong

Labour Log:  How have you contributed to JUSUN?

Relative stability between staff of High Court department,  and the Judiciary Service Commission. This we achieved through dialogue. That, together with the members we can build on our achievements.

I am still trying to fight for total autonomy, but, we are not there yet.

Labour Log: Relations with various Labour Union leaders.

Solidarity for all carries us. As much as we come to represent our various unions you find other members who advise and the leadership galvanizes all unions for the general good. We are all equal.

Labour Log: Your process of deployment of dialogue

My pattern has always been to notify government on the need to meet certain needs. While we await feedback, we get access to get relevant information. This gives you the opportunity to discuss from an informed position. So when I speak with facts, it gives us a good edge in the negotiating table. It assists in the “Give and Take” process. But you have to keep your tracks clean or you can’t face management. Integrity counts.

Labour Log: Feeling after successful Negotiations

It brings a sort of happiness and accomplishment that your struggle has borne fruits. To make management and government shift ground is a big task. But we usually keep the joys to ourselves. But surely, the ones your fight for enjoying it.

Labour Log: Your Feeling In Negotiation failure

It hurts when you see your struggling has come to nothing and it affects your confidence. Not giving your people what they need. Though with adequate planning, you rarely fail totally. You always get something.

Labour Log: What Qualities  make a good Labour Leader.

It is always best to be a good follower and understand the dynamics of Labour Unionism. That is, you do not just go to Labour Unionism for the sake of it. Understand how you can develop on what the former holder or the position has achieved. Have service in mind

Labour Log: Mentors in Labour Unionism

In school I was moved by a young man Moses Oisakhede. A former SUG President and NANS President. He died, but lived a very selfless life and stood against oppression.

Also, you cannot forget Pa Michael Imodu and how he ensured Labour Unionism came to stay in Nigeria.