THE NIGERIA Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have pledged continued support for striking workers in the employment of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The two labour centres made the position known in a statement jointly signed by the Acting General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, and the Secretary-General of TUC, Comrade Nuhu Toro, made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
The centres recalled that although the National Industrial Court (NIC) ordered the suspension of the strike, the court granted no injunctive relief in favour of the workers.
According to the unions, the strike will continue until the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, engages workers in meaningful negotiations.
“The strike will continue until the FCT Minister abandons threats and engages organised labour in sincere and constructive negotiations.
“We cannot watch workers suffer intimidation, humiliation and harassment for demanding their legitimate rights. NLC and TUC stand firmly with FCT workers and urge them to defend their rights with courage, dignity and unity,” they said.
They also condemned alleged intimidation, harassment and unfair treatment of FCT workers, which they attributed to the actions of the minister.
They faulted what they described as a one-sided ruling by the National Industrial Court on the ongoing strike, alleging that the decision was aimed at weakening the industrial action and undermining workers’ rights.
They said workers could not be reduced to slaves in their own country, while also reaffirming their commitment to the rule of law and the protection of workers’ rights.
They urged FCT workers to remain calm, resolute and courageous in the face of the threats, maintaining that the strike remain valid and ongoing.
They also urged members of the judiciary to avoid actions capable of eroding public trust and called for solidarity, insisting that dignity and courage must guide the struggle for workers’ rights. (NAN)
