The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has directed striking teachers and other workers to disregard Minister Nyesom Wike's "no work, no pay" threat. The labour body also warned school principals and head teachers against compelling striking workers to sign attendance registers opened during the ongoing industrial action. This move is in response to Wike's order to the six FCT area council chairmen to enforce the no-work, no-pay policy against workers participating in the indefinite strike.
The dispute between the FCT Administration and organised labour remains unresolved, with several outstanding issues. The NLC identified the requirement for available vacancies before teachers can be promoted and the failure to conduct the 2025 promotion exercise as key concerns. Additionally, the union raised concerns over the alleged demotion of directors covered by the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers Act, 2022. These issues have led to the ongoing industrial action.
Minister Nyesom Wike had described the industrial action as politically motivated, maintaining that the administration had agreed to address the unions' demands. However, the NLC insisted that the dispute remained unresolved. The labour council urged affected workers to remain at home, report any threats or intimidation, and await further instructions from the union.
The NLC also called on the FCT Administration to remove the vacancy requirement for promotions, conduct the outstanding 2025 promotion exercise, and reinstate the affected directors. The union warned that those who violate the directive could face action from the union. This stance has been echoed by various stakeholders, who are closely monitoring the situation.
The ongoing strike has significant implications for the education sector in the FCT. With thousands of teachers and workers affected, the strike has disrupted the academic calendar. Parents and students are anxiously waiting for a resolution to the dispute. The FCT Administration and organised labour are yet to reach a compromise.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has reiterated its commitment to supporting the striking workers. The union has called on the FCT Administration to take a more conciliatory approach to resolving the dispute. This approach would involve engaging in meaningful dialogue with the union to address the outstanding issues.
The dispute continues amid the standoff between the FCT Administration and organised labour over the demands of striking workers. The situation remains tense, with both parties yet to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The FCT NLC has vowed to continue supporting the striking workers until their demands are met.
Key points
- The FCT NLC has directed striking teachers to disregard Minister Nyesom Wike's "no work, no pay" threat.
- The dispute between the FCT Administration and organised labour remains unresolved, with several outstanding issues.
- The ongoing strike has significant implications for the education sector in the FCT.
