FCTA Workers Deny Wike’s Claim That Strike Demands Largely Met

The Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has described the FCTA management’s claim that their demands have been largely met as misleading.

The FCT Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Mr. Lere Olayinka, had said 10 out of the 14 demands of the striking workers have been met.

Olayinka noted that the remaining four are being looked into.

He further stated that some unions have already dissociated themselves from the strike, adding that the administration has also appealed to JUAC to resort to dialogue instead of strike since most of their demands have been met.

However, JUAC, in a statement by its secretary, Comrade Umar Saleh, on Monday night, stressed that no formal agreement has been reached between JUAC and the FCTA management on any of the demands presented.

It also stated that the claims of payment of wage awards, rural allowance,2023 promotion arrears and compliance with Public Service Rules are false, premature, and intended to misinform the public and staff.

JUAC further stated that it has not suspended, withdrawn or relaxed its position on the industrial action because none of the core demands has been conclusively implemented or verified.

It said 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 also noted that matters relating to unpaid promotion arrears, NHF and pension remittances, illegal tenure elongation, flawed promotion examination process, intimidation of staff, lack of training and salary portal restrictions remain largely unattended to.

It warned that the attempt by management to shift responsibility for statutory deductions to workers is unacceptable and contrary to established public service financial regulations.

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

It urged staff members, the public and media to disregard the FCTA press release.

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

It also cautioned the FCTA management to stop propaganda and engage sincerely with workers to resolve the outstanding issues.

JUAC pledged its commitment to genuine dialogue, stressing that will not succumb to misinformation, intimidation or divide-and-rule tactics.