By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court has directed workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to suspend their ongoing industrial action pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.
The ruling followed an application by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, seeking a court order to compel striking FCTA workers to return to work. The suit named the President and Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) as respondents.
Justice Subilim held that industrial action, including strikes, must be suspended once a dispute is referred to the National Industrial Court. Citing Section 18(1)E of the Trade Dispute Act, he noted that suspending strikes ensures proper resolution of disputes, warning that non-compliance could attract sanctions.
The judge emphasized that maintaining industrial peace serves the public interest and outweighs any inconvenience caused by the temporary halt of the strike.
The strike, which began on January 19, involved workers of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority, shutting down activities across Abuja over what they described as “unmet demands” by the Federal Government. The action affected all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals.
