The national strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Monday has recorded some measures of compliance at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
D’Gallery gathered that as early as 7:00 am, the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) put the main gate as well as all other entrances, especially the pedestrian gates under lock and key.
Some workers who defied the industrial action and went to work were seen hanging around the gate and the fence.
But they were not molested but enjoined to return home and await further directives from the union leaders.
JUAC President, Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer
said: “The strike is on. Until the government and Labour reach a compromise, we will remain on strike.”
On why the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) are joining the industrial action despite that the FCT Minister Nyesome Wike, has done so well for them, Iortyer said: “It’s been a long time struggle concerning the national minimum wage issue. Now the hike in electricity tariff has joined, it’s not about us.”
She noted that negotiations were on and until a compromise was reached between the Organised Labour and the Federal Government, they would continue the strike.
“They have not reached a compromise on what to pay the least staff as the minimum wage, and since the national body of the two Labour unions (NLC and TUC) have declared it; FCT is part of it because we are an affiliate body of the national unions. We have to join the strike.”
“My advice to the FCTA and FCDA staff is that they should remain at home and remain the obedient staff that we’ve always been.”
The ever-busy Abuja–Keffi axis was almost desolate as very few vehicles were playing the road.
Scores of passengers were stranded on the road, scrambling for a few vehicles on the road.
At Abuja city centre, the roads were empty as security operatives were patrolling the streets to guarantee the security of lives and property.
