The Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) enforced the labour union’s indefinite strike by locking the Secretariat entrance on Monday. This action aligns with the directives issued by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on May 31.
The strike, commencing on June 3, responds to the Federal Government’s failure to meet the unions’ demands for a higher minimum wage and the reversal of recent electricity tariff increases. Specifically, the unions have been pushing for an increase in the proposed N60,000 minimum wage for workers.
Mrs. Rifkatu Lortyer, President of JUAC, explained to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the committee’s actions were in strict compliance with the NLC and TUC directives. She urged FCTA workers to stay home and adhere to the strike action, emphasizing that it was in the best interest of all Nigerian workers.
“My advice to FCTA workers is simple: stay at home and be the obedient workers you’ve always been. The strike action is in the interest of Nigerian workers,” Lortyer said.
The strike follows an ultimatum given by the labour unions during the May Day celebration, demanding that the Federal Government conclude negotiations on a new national minimum wage by May 31. TUC President Festus Osifo emphasized the necessity of the strike due to the government’s refusal to increase the proposed N60,000 wage and reverse the electricity tariff hike during the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage meeting held on Friday.
The closure of the FCTA Secretariat is one of many disruptions expected across various sectors as the indefinite strike continues, reflecting the growing discontent among Nigerian workers regarding their wages and living conditions.
