In conjunction with the national strike proclaimed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Federal Capital Territory Joint Union Action Committee (FCT JUAC) shut down operations in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday. This action left workers stranded outside, preventing them from entering their offices. Only security personnel were seen within the premises.
What They Are Saying
The President of FCT JUAC, Mrs. Rifkatu Lortyer, explained the reasons behind the strike:
“You know that this has been a long-time struggle concerning this minimum wage, and then the electricity tariff came and added to it. Till now, the government and labor unions have not reached a compromise on what to pay the least staff. So, since the national bodies of the two labor groups have decided on the indefinite strike, the FCT is part of it. As an affiliate body, we have to enforce it.”
Lortyer added that the strike would continue until a compromise was reached between the federal government and the labor unions
“FCT staff should stay at home, that is an instruction from national TUC and national NLC that we are affiliated to, and they should be the obedient staff as they have always been. When the gates are opened for us to go in, we will enter and do our work.”
A staff member of the FCTA, Mohammed Sabo, shared his experience of being locked out
“We are in support of the strike because it is in our interest, but I forgot a very important electronic device in my office on Friday. I thought I would rush to come and collect it before the commencement of enforcement, but I got here late because, as early as 7:30 am, the entrance gates had been locked.”
Why It Matters
The NLC has been in negotiation with the federal government over a new living wage system for more than a month. The prolonged discussions have created a perception that the government is stalling to resolve. The strike action by the Union is a strategic move to push its demands for a timely and favorable resolution into the spotlight.
Bottom Line
The national strike led by NLC and TUC, with strong enforcement by the FCT JUAC, highlights the critical impasse between the labor unions and the federal government regarding minimum wage and other key issues. The shutdown in the Federal Capital Territory signifies the unions’ determination to secure a swift resolution to their demands, underscoring the importance of prompt government action to address workers’ grievances.
