Strike: NLC Sends Solidarity Message To FCTA Workers, Describes Court Order As Distasteful
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sent a solidarity message to striking workers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), following an order of the Industrial Court to suspend their actions.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court, on Tuesday, ordered workers of the FCTA to suspend their ongoing industrial action pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.
The ruling followed an application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, seeking a court order compelling striking FCTA workers to return to work.
In the suit, the FCT Minister named the President and the Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) as respondents.
Justice Subilim held that industrial action, including strikes, must be suspended once a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court.
Citing Section 18(1)E of the Trade Dispute Act, the court noted that the suspension ensures the dispute is properly resolved, and that ongoing strikes must halt upon the commencement of a suit by originating summons, which constitutes a referral.
The judge further stated that failure to comply with Section 18 of the Act may attract sanctions.
But the NLC described the ruling as surprising and distasteful.
A statement by the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, urged the workers not to let their hearts be broken, noting that the court ruling cannot weaken the resolve of already aggrieved workers.
The statement also faulted the court for failing to examine the allegations brought forward by the workers, including claims of non-remittances of the National Housing Fund and pension deductions.
Furthermore, the statement puts on notice organisations and individuals violating the provisions of the Pension Fund Act and National Housing Fund Act, warning that such violations will lead to serious engagement with the NLC.
The statement also called on workers and NLC organs to remain on high alert in light of the recent development.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
