Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday observed partial compliance to the directive by the organised labour to its members to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had on November 13, directed all affiliates to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike. The strike was called to press home their demands, especially the “non comment by the Federal Government over the brutalising of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero by security agents and hoodlums in Imo”.
It was observed that at the Federal Secretariat, workers were seen going about their duties. Also, at the Area one old Secretariat, workers were also seen going in and out of the place. Commercial banks such as Guaranty, Union, First Bank, among other banks in Area 3 and 8 were opened for operation as some customers were seen going in and out of the place. Some schools were open, and lessons were on going.
Also, some workers who spoke with NAN said that the nationwide indefinite strike was uncalled for. They said that people are already suffering, and the economy was not friendly and with the indefinite strike it would increase the hardship on the people. It would be recalled that the NLC had declared a protest in Imo, led by Ajaero on November 1, over alleged anti-workers policies by the state government.
Ajaero was attacked and brutalised by security agents and hoodlums allegedly sent by the state government. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo and the Nigeria Police had refuted the allegation. It also be recalled that the National Industrial Court had restrained organised labour from embarking on the planned nationwide strike.
