Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), operating under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), on Thursday returned to an indefinite strike over outstanding welfare concerns, barely a day after some offices reopened.
Observations at FCTA secretariats, departments and agencies showed skeletal activities, with only a handful of workers present, in contrast to the larger turnout recorded on Wednesday. The development followed a directive by JUAC instructing workers to remain at home.
The renewed action came after the union filed an appeal against a January 27 ruling of the National Industrial Court, which ordered the suspension of the strike and fixed March 23 for further hearing. The appeal was entered through the union’s lead counsel, Femi Falana.
After the court ruling, the Acting Head of the FCTA Civil Service, Mrs Nancy Nathan, had directed all staff to resume duties on Wednesday, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned that sanctions would await any worker who failed to comply. The minister also maintained that the administration was open to dialogue, noting that most of the workers’ demands had already been met.
However, JUAC Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, in a circular issued on Wednesday, informed workers that the strike would continue from Thursday in view of the appeal. He urged members to stay at home and remain united, describing the struggle as one that requires discipline, commitment and solidarity.
Saleh also recalled a joint communiqué by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued on January 28, which called on FCT workers to defend their rights with courage and dignity.
The labour centres argued that the interlocutory injunction secured by the FCT minister and the administration was directed at the JUAC leadership, and not the trade unions themselves. In a communiqué signed by NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, and TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, the unions insisted that the strike should continue until meaningful negotiations are held with the workers.
Meanwhile, Wike has reiterated that the matter remains before the court and advised workers to obey existing court orders. He made the remark on Thursday in Abuja while handing over 12 newly acquired ambulances to FCT hospitals.
Responding to the continued strike, the minister stated that the filing of an appeal does not automatically translate to a suspension of the court’s ruling.
“The mere fact that a notice of appeal is filed does not mean there is a stay of execution,” Wike said, adding that refusal to obey court orders undermines the rule of law.
He again assured workers that their grievances were being addressed, stressing that a majority of the issues raised had already been resolved.
