The indefinite strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Federal Capital Territory has divided organised labour, with some unions backing the action while others have rejected it.
The NLC FCT Council directed workers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), including private-sector employees, to begin the strike on Wednesday over unresolved disputes between the FCTA and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has told its members to ignore the strike and resume their normal duties, while the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has declared support for the action.
In a notice signed by its FCT Secretary, Sunday Joseph, on Friday, the TUC said it was not consulted before the strike was announced and had no part in the decision.
“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 congress urged workers to ignore unauthorised strike enforcement orders and report any harassment or intimidation to its secretariat. It also warned against actions that could disrupt children’s education.
Similarly, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools had distanced itself from the strike on Wednesday, directing teachers and education officers to continue their duties.
Meanwhile, NULGE directed workers across the FCT’s six area councils to join the strike from Friday in solidarity with teachers. The notice was signed by its FCT Council Secretary, Ayendi Agede.
