None of our demands met, striking workers reply FCTA

The striking workers under the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have rejected and dissociated themselves from a press release issued by the administration, claiming that 10 out of the 14 demands made by workers have been met

The FCTA, through the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Mr. Lere Olayinka, had issued the statement on Monday asserting that the majority of the union’s grievances had been resolved.

However, in a response, the union’s secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, said no formal agreement has been reached between JUAC and the FCTA management on any of the demands presented.

The union noted that claims regarding the payment of wage awards, rural allowances, 2023 promotion arrears, and compliance with Public Service Rules are false, premature, and intended to misinform the public and staff.

The statement added that JUAC has not suspended, withdrawn, or relaxed its position on the industrial action because none of the core demands has been conclusively implemented or verified.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 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,” the union stated.

According to JUAC, several critical matters remain largely unattended to, including unpaid promotion arrears, NHF and pension remittances, illegal tenure elongation, flawed promotion examination processes, intimidation of staff and lack of training as well as salary portal restrictions.

“The attempt by management to shift responsibility for statutory deductions to workers is unacceptable and contrary to established public service financial regulations,” the statement continued.

‘’The ongoing strike action remains lawful, justified, and in full compliance with labour laws, having followed due process after the expiration of the 7-day ultimatum.”

The union urged staff, the public, and the media to disregard the FCTA press release, asserting it does not reflect the true situation. They called on all staff to remain resolute and united until all demands are fully implemented.

Furthermore, the union urged the FCTA management to cease issuing “propaganda” and instead engage sincerely with workers.

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

Meanwhile, Abuja Metro reports that most FCTA offices, including the Minister’s office and the FCDA Secretariat, remain locked.

Many workers stayed home in compliance with the strike directive.

Visitors to the FCTA Secretariat, who were prevented from entering, appealed to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to engage with union leaders and find a lasting solution to the crisis.

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