In compliance with the indefinite nationwide strike action declared by the National Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), on Monday, shut down the activities at the FCT Administration Secretariat, preventing staff from entering into the premises of the secretariat.
Cars were seen parked outside the gate of the FCTA secretariat, while workers stood outside the gates with no access to their offices, as only security personnel were allowed into the premises.
President of FCT JUAC, Mrs Rifkatu lortyer, while speaking on the strike action, said that they had to enforce the strike in the secretariat because it was a directive from the NLC and TUC.
“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 labour unions have not reached a compromise on what to pay the least staff.
“So, since the national bodies of the two labour groups have declared the indefinite strike, the FCT is part of it, as an affiliate body of them, we have to enforce it.
“As at yesterday, when they had a meeting with the National Assembly, the TUC president said they were almost giving in, but they had to go back to their NEC to see if it is what they will take from the government, but it is not possible,” she said.
According to her, the strike will continue for as long as the federal government and labour unions were yet to reach a compromise.
“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, and when the gates are opened for us to go in, we will enter and do our work,” she added.
However, a staff of the FCTA stranded outside the secretariat, Mohammed Sabo, who said he left home early to collect an electronic device he forgot in his office, lamented that he did not expect the compliance action would commence as early as 7.30am to prevent workers from entering their offices.
“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, and I thought that I would rush to come and collect it before the commencement of enforcement, but I got here late, because as early as 7.30am the entrance gates have been locked.
“We are appealing to the labour unions and government to come to a compromise early, so that this whole thing will be over. Strike is not good for a developing country, but if that is the only language the government can understand, we are in support of NLC and NUT action,” he stated.