Workers across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been directed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to commence an indefinite strike action starting December 1, 2024.
This directive follows the failure of the area council chairmen to implement the payment of the N70,000 national minimum wage arrears, despite several warnings and engagements.
The decision, announced on November 30, has set the stage for a major disruption in administrative and municipal services across the nation’s capital.
According to the NLC, the strike action became inevitable after numerous attempts to resolve the issue amicably were met with delays and lack of commitment from the six area council chairmen.
The arrears, which stem from the federal government’s recent approval of the N70,000 minimum wage adjustment, have remained unpaid, leaving thousands of workers frustrated and disillusioned.
Speaking on the development, NLC FCT Chairman, Comrade Samuel Musa, stated that the union had exhausted all avenues for dialogue and negotiation before arriving at the decision to embark on the industrial action.
He accused the area council chairmen of blatant disregard for the welfare of workers, describing their actions as a breach of trust and a betrayal of the agreement reached during previous engagements.
Musa explained that the strike action is intended to compel the council authorities to prioritize the payment of workers’ entitlements, noting that the arrears have left many employees unable to meet their financial obligations.
“For months, we have engaged the area council chairmen in discussions and written several letters demanding the immediate payment of the N70,000 minimum wage arrears.
However, they have refused to honor their commitments.
Our workers can no longer bear the hardship caused by this non-payment,” he said.
The NLC also warned that the strike would be comprehensive and involve all categories of workers under its umbrella, effectively shutting down key operations in the FCT’s six area councils.
These councils include Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji.
Critical services such as healthcare, waste management, revenue collection, and administrative functions are expected to be significantly impacted by the industrial action.
Workers in various sectors have expressed solidarity with the NLC’s decision, highlighting the adverse effects of delayed payments on their livelihoods.
Many described the situation as unbearable, with rising inflation and the high cost of living exacerbating the financial strain caused by the unpaid arrears.
“This strike is long overdue.
We have families to feed, rent to pay, and other bills piling up.
The non-payment of our arrears has made life extremely difficult for us,” lamented a worker from AMAC, who chose to remain anonymous.
Another worker from Gwagwalada Area Council criticized the council authorities for their perceived indifference to the plight of employees.
“How can they expect us to continue working when they have refused to pay what we are owed?
It is disrespectful and unfair.
We stand with the NLC on this strike until our demands are met,” the worker stated.
As the strike looms, residents of the FCT are bracing for the fallout, with fears that essential services will grind to a halt.
Several residents have already expressed concern over the potential impact on waste disposal, healthcare delivery, and administrative processes in the area councils.
“I hope the government resolves this issue quickly.
A strike of this magnitude will affect everyone, especially in terms of basic services.
It’s the ordinary citizens who will bear the brunt,” said a resident of Kuje.
The impending strike also raises questions about the financial management and priorities of the area councils.
Many critics have called for increased transparency and accountability, arguing that the funds for the minimum wage adjustment should have been allocated and disbursed promptly.
In response to the NLC’s ultimatum, some area council chairmen have claimed that the delay in payment is due to financial constraints and insufficient revenue allocations.
However, the union has dismissed these excuses, insisting that the funds were provided and should have been utilized for their intended purpose.
The NLC has also threatened to escalate the industrial action beyond the FCT if the demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe.
Comrade Musa emphasized that the union would not back down until the arrears are fully paid, urging workers to remain steadfast and united in their fight for justice.
“The non-implementation of the minimum wage arrears is a violation of workers’ rights.
We will not relent until every worker receives what is rightfully theirs.
This strike is a collective struggle, and we must remain resolute,” he said.
The federal government’s approval of the N70,000 minimum wage adjustment earlier this year was intended to cushion the economic hardships faced by workers amid rising inflation and economic challenges.
While some states and local governments have complied with the directive, the situation in the FCT has exposed lingering issues of governance and resource allocation.
Observers have noted that the inability of the area council chairmen to implement the payment could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the significance of the minimum wage policy.
As tensions escalate, calls for a swift resolution to the impasse have intensified.
Civil society organizations and advocacy groups have urged the federal government to intervene and ensure that the area council chairmen fulfill their obligations.
“This is not just an issue of wages; it is about the dignity of labor and the survival of workers who have dedicated themselves to serving the public.
The government must act decisively to address this matter,” said a representative of a local advocacy group.
The NLC has urged workers to adhere to the strike directive and refrain from reporting to their duty posts until further notice.
The union has also warned against any attempt by the area councils to intimidate or victimized employees participating in the industrial action.
As the December 1 deadline approaches, the standoff between the NLC and the area council authorities remains unresolved.
The outcome of this confrontation will not only determine the fate of workers in the FCT but also set a precedent for labor relations across the country.
For now, the FCT stands on the brink of a major disruption, with the hopes of thousands of workers hanging in the balance.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the strike action will be averted or if the grievances of FCT workers will finally be addressed.
Comments