NLC, TUC Back FCTA Workers, Insist Strike Will Continue Despite Court Order

Nigeria’s two major labour unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have thrown their weight behind striking Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers, accusing the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of unfair treatment and intimidation.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the labour centres described the workers as being poorly handled by the minister, stressing that they would not stand by while workers face what they termed harassment, insults, and humiliation.

The unions noted that the recent ruling of the National Industrial Court already placed a heavy burden on the workers, adding that further pressure from the minister amounted to an unacceptable escalation of the dispute.

According to organised labour, the industrial action will remain in place until Wike agrees to step down from what they described as a confrontational posture and engage the workers in meaningful dialogue.

“Today, the NLC and TUC find it necessary to publicly declare our solidarity with the FCT workers who have been subjected to shabby treatment by the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike,” the statement said, alleging that the court ruling appeared one-sided and aimed at weakening the strike.

The unions expressed disappointment that rather than using the court process as an opportunity to seek a peaceful resolution, the minister allegedly resorted to threats against the workforce.

They further emphasized that workers should not be treated as subordinates without rights, reaffirming their commitment to the rule of law regardless of the parties involved.

Organised labour also encouraged the striking workers to remain resolute, pointing out that the interlocutory injunction obtained by the minister was directed at two individual union leaders and not the unions themselves, insisting this meant the strike remained valid.

FCTA workers embarked on an indefinite strike last week over unresolved welfare and labour-related issues, leading to the disruption of operations across key government offices in Abuja.

Following the industrial action, Wike instituted legal action against the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC).

On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered the workers to suspend the strike. The presiding judge, Emmanuel Subilim, ruled that while the case constituted a trade dispute, the right to strike was not unlimited.

The court held that once a matter is brought before the National Industrial Court, all industrial actions must be halted until the case is fully determined.