Editor
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has instructed workers in the six area councils of the FCT to commence an indefinite strike effective Dec. 1, 2024.
The directive was issued by the council’s chairman, Mr. Knabanyi Adalo, in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.
Adalo stated that the decision follows a resolution from the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Nov. 8 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The NEC, in its communiqué, had appealed to the area council chairmen to implement the newly approved national minimum wage of N70,000.
Despite this appeal, Adalo noted that the chairmen have failed to respond to the demand, prompting organized labor to act. At the State Administrative Council (SAC) meeting on Nov. 12, labor leaders unanimously resolved to enforce the national directive for an indefinite strike should the government fail to implement the minimum wage by Nov. 30.
“The State Administrative Council also expressed deep frustration over the persistent delays and outright refusal by the area council chairmen to address pending entitlements, including outstanding arrears owed to primary school teachers,” Adalo said.
He described the refusal to implement the new minimum wage as a gross violation of labor laws and a blatant disregard for the welfare of workers in the area councils.
“In light of this, all workers in the six area councils of the FCT are directed to proceed on an indefinite strike from Dec. 1, 2024, until further notice,” Adalo stated.
The strike action underscores organized labor’s determination to ensure the welfare and rights of workers are respected.
NAN
