The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally on February 3 in support of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
The unions disclosed this in a joint statement issued in Abuja and signed by the NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro.
The rally is in solidarity with Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) workers under the aegis of JUAC, who are currently on strike over unpaid salaries.
JUAC workers began an indefinite strike on January 19, which led to the shutdown of major administrative offices, including the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat and the FCDA.
The industrial action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued on January 7, during which the unions demanded that the FCTA management address long-standing labour and welfare issues.
According to the unions, the rally is intended to reaffirm labour’s collective principle that an injury to one worker is an injury to all within the Nigerian labour movement.
They said the action would send a clear message that organised labour would resist all forms of intimidation and injustice against workers.
Describing the struggle as legitimate and non-negotiable, the unions stressed that it would be sustained until justice is achieved. They added that their support for JUAC members remains total and unwavering.
The NLC and TUC urged JUAC members to remain steadfast, courageous, and united in defending their rights.
They explained that the planned rally is aimed at demonstrating collective resistance to injustice and would be directed at the FCDA, insisting that the protest would be lawful and peaceful.
The unions also directed all affiliates and state councils to mobilise massively for the rally, noting that intimidation and repression would not weaken workers’ resolve.
They reiterated that workers’ rights are not freely given but won through collective struggle, assuring workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that they would not be abandoned.