Organised labour in the Federal Capital Territory has become divided over the indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, FCT Council, as unions take opposing positions on the industrial action.
The NLC had on Wednesday directed workers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, including private sector employees, to embark on an indefinite strike over unresolved disputes between the FCTA and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT.
However, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, instructed its members to disregard the strike and report to work, while the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, declared support for the action.
In a notice signed by the TUC Secretary in the FCT, Sunday Joseph, on Friday, the congress rejected the strike directive, citing a lack of consultation.
The union said the NLC had declared the strike without engaging in joint discussions with other labour organisations.
“The directive was issued without any consultation with the TUC FCT Council or any of its affiliates in the FCT. We didn’t take part in the meeting that produced it.
“Accordingly, the TUC FCT Council is not a party to the said industrial action,” it said.
The TUC called for a more strategic approach to issues affecting workers’ welfare and children’s education. It directed its members to continue their normal duties.
“All affiliated unions and workers are urged to carry out their normal duties without fear. Members should ignore non-sanctioned orders, including unauthorised enforcement committees.
“Any harassment or intimidation should be reported to the TUC Secretariat immediately,” the congress said.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of teachers and workers but warned against actions that could disrupt children’s education and affect their future.
The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools had also distanced itself from the strike on Wednesday.
The union’s FCT Chairman, Julius Ogundiran, said in a statement issued in Abuja that secondary school teachers and education officers should report for their regular academic duties.
In contrast, NULGE directed its members to join the strike.
In a solidarity notice to FCT teachers issued by the NULGE FCT Council and signed by its State Secretary, Ayendi Agede, the union instructed workers across the six area councils to participate in the industrial action from Friday.
