The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced preparations to organize a peaceful solidarity protest on February 3 in support of striking workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
In a joint statement released in Abuja and signed by TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro and NLC General Secretary Mr. Benson Upah, the unions made this announcement.
According to the statement, the gathering is intended at backing JUAC, which is now organizing an indefinite strike by FCDA workers over the non-payment of their salary.
JUAC personnel launched the industrial action on January 19, closing down important administrative offices in the Federal Capital Territory, including the FCT Administration Secretariat and the Federal Capital Development Authority headquarters.
The unions noted that the walkout followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the administration of the FCTA on January 7, demanding the resolution of what they described as long-standing labour and welfare complaints.
They pointed out that workers had no choice but to go on an indefinite strike because authorities had not responded to their ultimatum.
The planned rally, according to the NLC and TUC, was intended to reinforce labor’s national solidarity and collective commitment.
The unions stated that the purpose of the march was to “reaffirm labor’s collective resolve that an injury to one worker remains an injury to all within the Nigerian labor movement.”
They stated that the move will also serve as a powerful message to authorities.
The statement stated, “The action will send a clear message that labor will resist all forms of intimidation and injustice against workers.”
The unions reiterated that the ongoing battle by JUAC members was legitimate and would not be compromised.
They said that until justice was served, the action would not be compromised.
They claim that they are still “total and unwavering” in their support of the striking workers.
The labour centres asked JUAC members to stay steadfast, courageous and unified in defending their rights, telling them that they were not alone.
They also instructed all affiliate unions and state councils to mobilise their members massively for the February 3 event.
The unions cautioned that persecution and intimidation would not make workers less determined.
The NLC and TUC emphasized that the rally would be lawful and nonviolent, pointing out that its goal was to show solidarity against injustice.
They revealed that the Federal Capital Development Authority will be the target of the case, but they insisted that it would adhere to the law.
The unions reiterated a long-standing labor stance, emphasizing that workers’ rights were never granted freely.
They stated such rights were always secured via prolonged collective struggle.
The labor centers promised to support workers in the Federal Capital Territory until their demands were fulfilled, assuring them that they would not be left behind.
