Labour unions say court action by FCT minister will not silence workers’ demands over unpaid entitlements
Labour unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have mobilised workers for a peaceful march to the National Industrial Court in Abuja following a lawsuit filed by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, seeking to restrain ongoing industrial action by FCT workers.
The mobilisation was announced by organised labour under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate unions, who urged workers to remain calm and law-abiding while showing solidarity at the court premises.
The suit, filed by the FCT Administration (FCTA) and the minister, is aimed at stopping the indefinite strike embarked upon by FCT area council workers over alleged unpaid promotion arrears, salary backlogs and other outstanding entitlements.
Union leaders described the legal action as an attempt to intimidate workers and suppress legitimate demands, insisting that workers have a constitutional right to protest peacefully and seek redress through lawful means.
According to labour sources, the planned march to the National Industrial Court is meant to demonstrate unity among workers and to monitor proceedings in the case, which is expected to be heard in Abuja.
The unions reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue but maintained that the strike would continue until concrete steps are taken by the FCTA to address workers’ grievances.
