The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to stage a peaceful solidarity rally on February 3 in support of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
The unions disclosed this 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 is in solidarity with Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) workers, led by JUAC, who are on strike over unpaid salaries.
Workers under JUAC commenced an indefinite strike on January 19, shutting down key administrative offices, including the FCTA Secretariat and the FCDA.
The strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued on January 7, demanding that the FCTA management address long-standing labour and welfare grievances.
According to the unions, the rally is meant to reaffirm labour’s collective resolve that an injury to one worker is 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,” the statement said.
The unions stated that the struggle is legitimate, non-negotiable, and will be sustained until justice is achieved. They added that their support for JUAC members remains total and unwavering.
They urged JUAC members to remain steadfast, courageous, and united in the defence of their rights.
The NLC and TUC said the planned rally is aimed at demonstrating collective resistance against injustice.
They added that the peaceful action would be directed at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), stressing that the rally would be lawful and peaceful.
The unions directed all affiliates and state councils to mobilise members massively for the rally, noting that intimidation and repression would not weaken workers’ resolve.
They reiterated that workers’ rights are never given but won through collective struggle.
The unions also assured workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that they would not be abandoned.
