Unpaid Salaries Spark NLC, TUC Solidarity Rally for FCDA Staff

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 Mr. Benson Upah, the General Secretary of the NLC, and Nuhu Toro, the Secretary General of the TUC, the unions announced this.

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 the ultimatum.

The purpose of the planned event, according to the NLC and TUC, was to reinforce labor’s national solidarity and collective commitment.

The unions stated, “The purpose of the rally is to reaffirm labor’s collective resolve that an injury to one worker remains an injury to everyone within the Nigerian labor movement.”

They stated that the move will also serve as a powerful message to authorities.

“The action will send a clear message that labor will resist all forms of injustice and intimidation against workers,” the statement stated.

The unions reiterated that the ongoing battle by JUAC members was legitimate and would not be compromised.

They proclaimed that the action would not be compromised and would continue until justice was served.

They claim that their support for the striking employees is still “total and unwavering.”

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 workers’ commitment would not be weakened by intimidation or repression.

The NLC and TUC emphasized that the demonstration was intended to show collective struggle against injustice and that it would be peaceful and legal.

While insisting that it would adhere to legal criteria, they revealed that the Federal Capital Development Authority would be the target of the case.

The unions emphasized that workers’ rights were never granted freely, reiterating a long-standing labor stance.

They stated such rights were always secured via prolonged collective struggle.

Workers in the Federal Capital Territory were reassured by the labor centers that they would not be left behind, promising to support them until their demands were fulfilled.