JUAC Rejects FCTA Statement on Meeting Workers’ Demands, says Strike Continues

The Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed claims by the FCTA management that most of the workers’ demands have been met.

The workers began an indefinite strike on Monday over “authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands”.

Subsequently, Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said in a statement that 10 of the 14 demands have been met by the FCT administration, with work ongoing on the remaining four.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday signed by Abdullahi Umar Saleh, its secretary, JUAC said no “formal agreement has been reached between JUAC and the FCTA management on any of the demands presented”.

JUAC denied claims that the payment of wage awards, rural allowance, 2023 promotion arrears and compliance with public service rules had been achieved.

According to the union, such claims are “false, premature, and intended to misinform the public and staff”.

The union also clarified that it has neither suspended nor relaxed its industrial action, insisting that the strike will continue.

“JUAC has not suspended, withdrawn or relaxed its position on the industrial action because none of the core demands has been conclusively implemented or verified,” the statement reads.

Addressing reports attributed to the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA), JUAC said the comments do not reflect the collective position of workers.

“The statement credited to the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) does not represent the collective position of workers under JUAC and cannot be used to justify the false narrative that issues have been resolved,” it said.

JUAC listed several unresolved issues, including unpaid promotion arrears, non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) and pension deductions, alleged illegal tenure elongation, a flawed promotion examination process, intimidation of staff, inadequate training, and salary portal restrictions.

The union also faulted attempts by the FCTA management to transfer responsibility for statutory deductions to workers, describing the move as “unacceptable and contrary to established public service financial regulations”.

“The ongoing strike action remains lawful, justified and in full compliance with labour laws, having followed due process after expiration of the seven-day ultimatum,” the union said.

“All workers should remain resolute, united and committed to the collective struggle until all demands are fully implemented.”

While expressing willingness to engage in talks, the union warned against misinformation and intimidation.

“JUAC remains open to genuine dialogue but will not succumb to misinformation, intimidation or divide-and-rule tactics,” the statement added.

Advertisements