The workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) resumed their indefinite strike on Thursday.
A handful of staff were seen at the FCTA secretariats, departments and agencies, in sharp contrast to Wednesday’s heavy turnout.
The development followed JUAC’s directive for members to stay at home pending the appeal of the National Industrial Court ruling of January 27.
The court had directed workers to suspend the strike and adjourned the matter to March 23.
Femi Falana, SAN, led the union’s appeal against the ruling.
Following the court decision, Nancy Nathan, acting head of the civil service of the FCTA, directed all workers to resume duties on Wednesday.
Nyesom Wike, FCT minister, had warned that defaulters would face consequences for refusing to return to work.
Wike added that the FCTA remained open to reasonable negotiation but noted that most of the workers’ demands had already been addressed.
Abdullahi Saleh, JUAC secretary, in a circular on Wednesday, told members that the strike would continue from Thursday, following the appeal.
Saleh urged workers to stay home and pray for the success of the strike, stressing that “the struggle demands unity, discipline and unwavering commitment.”
He recalled that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), in a joint communique on Jan. 28, encouraged FCT staff to defend their rights “with courage and dignity.”
The unions argued that the interlocutory injunction obtained by Wike and the FCTA targeted JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Saleh, not the trade unions.
Benson Upah, NLC acting general secretary, and Nuhu Toro, TUC secretary general, in a communique, insisted the strike would continue until Wike negotiates directly with FCT workers.
