The indefinite strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has divided organised labour, with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) urging its members to resume work while the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has declared support for the industrial action.
The dispute centres on unresolved disagreements between the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Nigeria Union of Teachers over teachers’ welfare and career progression.
The NLC FCT Council had directed workers in the FCTA, including those in the private sector, to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Wednesday.
However, the TUC FCT Council rejected the directive, saying it was issued without consultation with the congress or its affiliated unions.
In a notice signed by its FCT Secretary, Mr Sunday Joseph, on Friday, October 9, the TUC distanced itself from the strike and instructed its members to continue working.
“The directive was issued without any consultation with the TUC FCT Council or any of its affiliates in the FCT. We didn’t take part in the meeting that produced it.
“Accordingly, the TUC FCT Council is not a party to the said industrial action,” it said.
The congress urged labour leaders to adopt a more strategic approach to disputes involving workers’ welfare and children’s education, rather than resorting to actions that could disrupt essential services.
It also directed its affiliated unions and members to disregard the strike directive and report to their duty posts.
“All affiliated unions and workers are urged to carry out their normal duties without fear. Members should ignore non-sanctioned orders, including unauthorised enforcement committees.
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“Any harassment or intimidation should be reported to the TUC Secretariat immediately,” the congress said.
While reaffirming its commitment to teachers’ and workers’ welfare, the TUC warned against actions that could interrupt children’s education and undermine their future.
The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools had also distanced itself from the strike on Wednesday.
The union’s FCT Chairman, Mr Julius Ogundiran, said in a statement issued in Abuja that secondary school teachers and education officers should continue with their regular academic duties.
In contrast, NULGE backed the NLC’s action and directed its members across the FCT’s six area councils to join the strike from Friday.
The directive was contained in a solidarity notice issued by the NULGE FCT Council and signed by its State Secretary, Mr Ayendi Agede.
The opposing positions have exposed divisions among labour unions in the territory over how to press the FCTA to resolve the dispute with teachers, raising questions about the level of coordination among organised labour during the industrial action.