The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced preparations to organize a peaceful solidarity protest on February 3 in support of striking workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
The NLC’s General Secretary, Mr. Benson Upah, and the TUC’s Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, signed a joint statement from the unions that was released in Abuja.
According to the statement, the gathering is intended at backing JUAC, which is now organizing an indefinite strike by FCDA workers over the non-payment of their salary.
JUAC personnel launched the industrial action on January 19, closing down important administrative offices in the Federal Capital Territory, including the FCT Administration Secretariat and the Federal Capital Development Authority headquarters.
The unions noted that the walkout followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the administration of the FCTA on January 7, demanding the resolution of what they described as long-standing labour and welfare complaints.
They pointed out that workers had no choice but to go on an indefinite strike as the government had not responded to the ultimatum.
The planned rally, according to the NLC and TUC, was intended to underline labor’s nationwide unity and collective commitment.
The unions stated, “The rally is to reaffirm labor’s collective resolve that an injury to one worker remains an injury to all within the Nigerian labor movement.”
They stated that the move will also serve as a powerful message to authorities.
According to the statement, “the action will send a clear message that labor will resist all forms of intimidation and injustice against workers.”
The unions reiterated that the ongoing battle by JUAC members was legitimate and would not be compromised.
They said that the action would not be compromised and would continue until justice was served.
They claim that they are still “total and unwavering” in their support of the striking employees.
The labour centres asked JUAC members to stay steadfast, courageous and unified in defending their rights, telling them that they were not alone.
They also instructed all affiliate unions and state councils to mobilise their members massively for the February 3 event.
The unions cautioned that workers’ commitment would not be weakened by coercion and intimidation.
The NLC and TUC emphasized that the demonstration was intended to show collective opposition against injustice and that it would be lawful and peaceful.
They acknowledged that the Federal Capital Development Authority would be the target of the case, but they insisted that it would adhere to legal standards.
The unions emphasized that workers’ rights were never freely granted, reiterating a long-standing labor viewpoint.
They stated such rights were always secured via prolonged collective struggle.
The Federal Capital Territory labor centers pledged to support workers until their demands were fulfilled, assuring them that they would not be abandoned.
