FCT Workers Set to Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Minimum Wage
Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are set to begin an indefinite strike starting on December 1, 2024, in protest over the non-implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage. This decision was communicated through a letter signed by the Chairman of the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Stephen Knabayi, which was obtained on Saturday.
The strike follows the failure of the Area Council Chairmen to implement the newly agreed minimum wage, despite receiving a directive from the NLC’s National Executive Council on November 14, 2024.
The NLC has accused the council leaders of neglecting workers’ welfare and breaching labour laws.
In a statement released on November 28, 2024, the NLC expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed payments of workers’ benefits, including outstanding arrears for primary school teachers. The letter noted, “On November 14, 2024, the Area Council Chairmen in FCT received a communiqué from the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress following their meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Regrettably, the Council Chairmen have failed to address the demand for the implementation of the new minimum wage for their workers. The refusal to implement the new wage is a serious violation of the law and a clear disregard for workers’ welfare.”
The NLC also highlighted the ongoing delays in the payment of workers’ entitlements, particularly the unpaid arrears owed to primary school teachers. Following these unresolved issues, the State Administrative Council of the FCT NLC unanimously agreed to take action in line with the national directive for an indefinite strike.
Knabayi explained, “During our State Administrative Council (SEC) meeting on November 12, 2024, it was resolved that we would strictly follow the national directive for a strike if the N70,000 national minimum wage is not implemented by the end of November 2024.”
“All workers in the six Area Councils of the FCT are hereby instructed to begin an indefinite strike on December 1, 2024, until further notice,” the letter concluded.
The union has pledged to continue the strike until the government meets their demands for fair wages and the timely settlement of arrears.
