TUC, NULGE Issue Conflicting Directives Over FCT Teachers’ Strike

*Disregard unauthorised strike, TUC tells affiliates

*Remain at home in solidarity, NULGE directs members

Confusion is spreading across public and private workplaces in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following conflicting directives issued by major labour groups over an indefinite strike arising from the ongoing dispute between the FCT Administration (FCTA) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

The controversy stems from a communiqué issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, directing all public and private sector workers across the territory to commence an indefinite strike.

However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), FCT Council, has distanced itself from the strike call.

In an official statement signed by the TUC FCT Secretary, Comrade Sunday Baba Joseph, the council clarified that it was neither consulted nor involved in the decision-making process that led to the declaration.

“The directive was issued without any consultation with the TUC FCT Council or any of its affiliates in the FCT.

“Accordingly, the TUC FCT is not a party to the said industrial action,” the statement read.

The TUC explicitly instructed all its affiliate unions and members to report to work as usual, disregard unauthorised “enforcement committees” and report any form of intimidation or coercion to the TUC FCT Secretariat.

While emphasising its concern for the welfare of teachers, children and workers, the TUC urged that the dispute be resolved through established industrial relations channels rather than disrupting access to education.

However, in sharp contrast, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), FCT Council, has fully aligned itself with the NLC’s declaration.

In a notice signed by the State Secretary, Ayendi Bridget Agede, NULGE instructed all members across the six Area Councils and Local Education Authority (LEA) non-teaching staff to join the strike.

NULGE directed its members to remain at home starting Friday (today) until further notice, calling on them to stand united in solidarity for the protection of workers’ rights and dignity.

With the TUC ordering its members to maintain their normal duties and NULGE instructing local government and LEA non-teaching staff to stay at home, workers across Abuja face a fragmented situation as the strike action takes effect.