Wike, labour members reach consensus on FCTA workers’ strike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the leadership of organised labour have reached a truce over the strike embarked upon by the Federal Territory Administration (FCTA) workers.

According to online reports, both parties came to an agreement after a marathon meeting convened by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Mohammed Bomoi, which lasted for over three hours.

In attendance at the meeting were Wike, the Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively.

It was gathered that the meeting started a few minutes before 12:00 am and ended at about 3:50 am on Tuesday.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, disclosed that no worker would be victimised as a result of the strike.

Upah added that all outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) would be withdrawn immediately.

“All affiliates are hereby informed that a conciliatory meeting was held between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the instance of the Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi.

“At the conclusion of the meeting, the following resolutions were reached: All complaints presented by JUAC members were taken one after the other and fully addressed.

“The Honourable Minister assured organised labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward.

“Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT (MFCT) are hereby directed to resume work immediately.

“All affiliates are enjoined to comply strictly with this directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, in good faith,” he said.