FCTA workers defy court orders, resume indefinite strike
Due to unsolved welfare issues, Federal Capital Territory Administration employees under the Joint Union Action Committee resumed their indefinite strike on Thursday. The walkout started on January 19.
In contrast to the enormous turnout on Wednesday, the News Agency of Nigeria reported that very few employees were visible near the FCTA Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies.
The development complied with the JUAC's order for employees to remain at home.
The move came after the National Industrial Court's decision on January 27, which ordered the workers to halt the strike and postponed the case until March 23, was appealed.
In contrast to the enormous turnout on Wednesday, the News Agency of Nigeria reported that very few employees were visible near the FCTA Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies.
The development complied with the JUAC's order for employees to remain at home.
The move came after the National Industrial Court's decision on January 27, which ordered the workers to halt the strike and postponed the case until March 23, was appealed.
Through its principal attorney, Femi Falana, SAN, the union filed an appeal against the industrial court's ruling.
Following the decision, all FCT employees were instructed to return to work on Wednesday by Mrs. Nancy Nathan, the FCTA's acting Head of the Civil Service.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, further cautioned that any employee who failed to return would face repercussions.
Although most of the workers' requests had been met, Wike reassured them that the FCTA was open to sensible negotiation.
However, JUAC Secretary Abdullahi Saleh informed the workers in a circular on Wednesday that the walkout would continue starting on Thursday due to the appeal of the industrial court verdict.
Following the decision, all FCT employees were instructed to return to work on Wednesday by Mrs. Nancy Nathan, the FCTA's acting Head of the Civil Service.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, further cautioned that any employee who failed to return would face repercussions.
Although most of the workers' requests had been met, Wike reassured them that the FCTA was open to sensible negotiation.
However, JUAC Secretary Abdullahi Saleh informed the workers in a circular on Wednesday that the walkout would continue starting on Thursday due to the appeal of the industrial court verdict.
He urged the workers to remain at home and offer prayers for the strike's success, emphasising that the fight calls for cooperation, self-control, and steadfast dedication.
He recalled that in a joint statement released on January 28, the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress had urged the FCT workers to bravely and honourably defend their rights.
The labour unions contended that the interlocutory injunction order secured by Wike and the FCTA was directed against Saleh and Mrs. Rifkatu Iortyer, the President of JUAC, rather than the labour unions.
The unions demanded that the strike carry on till Wike engages in talks with the FCT workers in a statement signed by TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro and NLC acting General Secretary Benson Upah.
He recalled that in a joint statement released on January 28, the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress had urged the FCT workers to bravely and honourably defend their rights.
The labour unions contended that the interlocutory injunction order secured by Wike and the FCTA was directed against Saleh and Mrs. Rifkatu Iortyer, the President of JUAC, rather than the labour unions.
The unions demanded that the strike carry on till Wike engages in talks with the FCT workers in a statement signed by TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro and NLC acting General Secretary Benson Upah.
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