FCTA workers defy court order, vow to continue strike over unresolved welfare issues

Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have insisted that they will not suspend their ongoing industrial action, despite a directive from the National Industrial Court ordering them to resume work.

The strike, which has severely disrupted key public services across Abuja, entered a fresh phase of uncertainty following the court ruling. Offices under the FCTA, including critical administrative and public service departments, have remained largely shut as workers continue to press for the fulfillment of their demands.

Labour representatives maintained that the decision to sustain the strike was based on unresolved welfare and workplace concerns. According to them, several critical issues affecting staff welfare, remuneration, and working conditions remain unaddressed by the authorities, making it difficult to comply with the court order at this time.

Union leaders argued that returning to work without firm and concrete commitments from the FCTA leadership would weaken their agitation and expose workers to further neglect. They stressed that the strike was not an act of defiance but a last resort after prolonged negotiations allegedly failed to yield meaningful results.

“The welfare of workers is at the heart of this struggle,” a labour source said. “Until our demands are clearly addressed and backed with actionable assurances, calling off the strike will be premature.”

The situation now appears set for a possible legal and administrative standoff, as the FCTA leadership considers its next line of action in response to the continued shutdown.

With essential services still affected, residents of the nation’s capital continue to bear the brunt of the industrial dispute.

As tensions linger, observers have called for renewed dialogue between both parties to prevent further disruption and reach an amicable resolution in the interest of workers and the public.