Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike starting January 19, citing unresolved welfare and labour issues.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was made by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which directed workers across all cadres to withdraw their services due to the authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands, according to a report by Punch.
The industrial action is expected to affect all secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), effectively grounding government activities across the territory.
JUAC said the strike follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management, which was ignored despite a series of meetings with officials. The ultimatum, effective from January 7, was contained in a statement dated January 8 and signed by Rifkatu Iortyer, JUAC president, and Abdullahi Saleh, secretary of the congress.
The union’s demands include:
•Payment of outstanding promotion arrears
•Resolution of stalled promotions
•Continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries
JUAC also alleged that the administration has failed to remit workers’ pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions, and raised concerns over the 2024 promotion examinations, describing them as flawed and affecting many candidates.
