Business activities were completely grounded today at the Federal Capital Territory Administration secretariat in Area 11, as workers complied with the directive by the Nigerian Labour Council to embark on an infinite industrial action.
Recall that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress commenced a nationwide strike on Monday, to protest the N60,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government.
The the workers unions had, on May 31, directed its affiliate bodies to embark on an indefinite strike from June 3, until their demands are met.
The Joint Union Action Committee, JUAC, of the FCT Administration locked the main entrance to the secretariat in compliance with the labour union’s infinite industrial action.
JUAC president Rifkatu Iortyer said the committee’s decision to deny workers access to the Secretariat was in compliance with the NLC and TUC directives.
She said, “It’s been a long-time struggle concerning the national minimum wage issue. Now the hike in electricity tariffs has begun.
“Till now, they have not reached a compromise on what to pay the least staff as the minimum wage, and since the national body, if the two labour unions have declared it, FCT is part of it, we are an affiliate body of the national unions. We have to join the strike.
“As of yesterday, Sunday, when they met with the National Assembly, if you listen to the TUC President, he almost gave in, but they had to go back to their NEC to convey the message to see if this is what they will take from the government. So the strike is on until they reach a compromise.”
She said the strike will continue for as long as the federal government and labour unions were yet to reach a compromise
“My advice to FCTA and FCDA staff is that they should stay at home and remain the obedient staff that we’ve always been.”
Meanwhile, the strike recorded total compliance as staff of FCTA were seen stranded and heading back to their homes.
Cars were seen parked outside the gate of the FCTA secretariat, while workers stood outside the gates with no access to their offices, as only security personnel were allowed into the premises.
A staff member of the FCTA, who who didn’t want to be mentioned said: “As you can see, we can’t go inside, even our directors, but we are all in support of our JUAC President; she is fighting for us; we need the pay rise for sure because things are too difficult.”
The Abuja Inquirer observed that some public schools also complied with the NLC directive as students of Government Secondary School and Junior Secondary School in Kubwa as well as those of Government Secondary School Bwari were sent home until further notice.
Some of the students say their school gates were completely locked, leaving the students with no option but to go back home.
