By: Peace Udugba-The daily torch media
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have thrown their weight behind workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) amid an ongoing dispute with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over unresolved welfare issues.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the labour unions accused the minister of subjecting workers to intimidation, humiliation and unfair treatment, following what they described as a one-sided ruling by the National Industrial Court aimed at weakening the strike.
The unions said they had expected the court ruling to open the door for dialogue but alleged that the minister instead resorted to threats against workers. They stressed that workers cannot be treated as “slaves” in their own country and reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law.
NLC and TUC urged FCT workers to remain resolute, noting that the court order obtained by the minister was directed at individual union leaders and not the unions themselves.
They maintained that the strike would continue until the minister softens his position and engages in meaningful negotiations with the workers.
