The Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the Federal Capital Territory has directed its members to continue their normal duties, disassociating itself from the indefinite strike declared by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The council, in a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, said it was neither consulted nor involved in the decision to initiate the industrial action.
The NLC had, in a communiqué dated October 6, directed workers in both the public and private sectors across the FCT to commence an indefinite strike on October 7 over a dispute between the FCT Administration and the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
However, the TUC maintained that it did not participate in the meeting where the strike decision was reached and had not authorised its members to join the action.
The council consequently instructed all its affiliated unions and members to resume work and carry on with their regular activities.
It also warned against attempts to intimidate or force its members into participating in the strike, urging anyone affected to report such incidents to the TUC FCT Secretariat immediately.
In addition, affiliate union leaders were directed to disregard any instructions to set up strike enforcement committees unless such directives were issued by the TUC FCT leadership.
The council called on its members to remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant, adding that any subsequent decisions would be communicated through its leadership.
While expressing concern over the dispute’s impact on teachers, other workers and schoolchildren, the TUC urged the parties involved to pursue dialogue and utilise established industrial relations mechanisms to resolve their differences.
It stressed the importance of reaching an amicable settlement to prevent further disruption to education and protect children’s access to learning and a better future.
