Labour Unions Pushes Back On Court Order

Labour Unions Pushes Back On Court Order

The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress say the strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory remains lawful despite a court order, insisting the industrial action will continue.

The unions made this known in a joint statement issued in Abuja, accusing the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of using threats instead of dialogue.

The labour centres said the dispute centres on the treatment of FCT workers and the handling of negotiations by the FCT Administration.

They faulted what they described as a one-sided ruling of the National Industrial Court, arguing that it was aimed at weakening the strike rather than resolving the issues.

According to the unions, they had expected the ruling to open space for talks, but that did not happen.

The unions added that workers were already facing serious grievances and did not deserve intimidation, humiliation, insults, and harassment.

They explained that the court order cited by the minister was directed at two individual union leaders and not the unions themselves.

The unions urged workers to stay firm and maintain morale, warning that workers should not be turned into “slaves in their own country.”

The statement also criticised parts of the judiciary, praising judges who protect ordinary citizens while cautioning against “cash-and-carry judges,” whom they said weaken trust in the justice system.

The unions concluded by insisting the strike would not end until meaningful talks begin, urging workers to remain committed to the struggle. “Workers, keep fighting for your rights. It is safer to die on your feet than live on your knees,” they said.