The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally on February 3 in support of the Joint Union Action Committee.
The announcement was made in a joint statement signed by Mr. Benson Upah, General Secretary of the NLC, and Mr. Nuhu Toro, Secretary General of the TUC, in Abuja.
The rally aims to back the ongoing strike by Federal Capital Development Authority workers, led by JUAC, over unpaid salaries.
JUAC members began an indefinite strike on January 19, which has paralyzed critical administrative offices, including the FCTA Secretariat and the FCDA.
The strike came after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued on January 7, urging the FCTA management to resolve persistent labour and welfare grievances.
The unions explained that, the rally is intended to “reaffirm labour’s collective resolve that an injury to one worker remains an injury to all within the Nigerian labour movement.”
“The action will send a clear message that labour will resist all forms of intimidation and injustice against workers,” they said.
The unions emphasized that the struggle is legitimate, non-negotiable, and would continue until justice is achieved.
They added that their support for JUAC members remained “total and unwavering,” urging the striking workers to “remain steadfast, courageous and united in the defence of their rights.”
The NLC and TUC stated that the rally is meant to “demonstrate collective resistance against injustice,” and insisted the action would be lawful and peaceful, specifically directed at the FCDA.
They called on all affiliates and state councils to mobilize members for the rally, stressing that “intimidation and repression would not weaken workers’ resolve.”
The unions further reminded Nigerians that “workers’ rights were never given but won through collective struggle,” assuring workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that they “would not be abandoned.”
