Court orders FCT workers to suspend strike

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The National Industrial Court, sitting in Abuja, Tuesday, ordered workers of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT)to suspend the ongoing industrial action, pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim made the order while ruling on an application filed by the Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike seeking an order compelling striking FCTA workers to return to work.
The FCT Minister sued the President and the Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress, JUAC, over the strike.
Delivering the ruling, the court held that Industrial action, even a strike must be suspended when the dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court.
The court cited Section 18(1)E of the Trade Dispute Act, which noted that the suspension is such that the dispute is resolved.
The judge held that Once a strike is ongoing before the referral such a strike must be suspended
The Judge added that the commencement of the suit by originating summons, constitutes a referral.
The court further held that the Trade Dispute Act, says failure to comply with section 18 can impose sanctions.
Therefore, Justice Subilim maintained that the public interest in creating industrial peace, supersedes inconveniences in suspending the strike.
Meantime, the matter had been adjourned to March 25th for hearing.