The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to stage a peaceful solidarity rally on February 3 in support of striking workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).

The unions made this known in a joint statement issued in Abuja and signed by the General Secretary of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah, and the Secretary General of the TUC, Nuhu Toro.

According to the statement, the rally is aimed at backing JUAC, which is currently leading an indefinite strike by FCDA workers over the non-payment of their salaries.

JUAC workers commenced the industrial action on January 19, shutting down major administrative offices in the Federal Capital Territory, including the FCT Administration Secretariat and the Federal Capital Development Authority headquarters.

The unions explained that the strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the management of the FCTA on January 7, demanding the resolution of what they described as long-standing labour and welfare grievances.

They noted that the failure of authorities to respond to the ultimatum left workers with no option but to embark on the indefinite strike.

The NLC and TUC said the planned rally was meant to reaffirm labour’s collective resolve and unity across the country.

“The rally is to reaffirm labour’s collective resolve that an injury to one worker remains an injury to all within the Nigerian labour movement,” the unions said.

They added that the action would also serve as a strong message to authorities.

“The action will send a clear message that labour will resist all forms of intimidation and injustice against workers,” the statement read.

The unions stressed that the ongoing struggle by JUAC members was legitimate and would not be compromised.

They declared that the action was non-negotiable and would be sustained until justice was achieved.

According to them, their support for the striking workers remains “total and unwavering.”

The labour centres urged JUAC members to remain steadfast, courageous and united in defending their rights, assuring them that they were not alone.

They also directed all affiliate unions and state councils to mobilise their members massively for the February 3 rally.

The unions warned that intimidation and repression would not weaken the resolve of workers.

The NLC and TUC emphasised that the rally would be peaceful and lawful, noting that it was aimed at demonstrating collective resistance against injustice.

They disclosed that the action would be directed at the Federal Capital Development Authority, while maintaining that it would comply with legal requirements.

Reiterating a long-standing labour position, the unions stressed that workers’ rights were never freely given.

They said such rights were always won through sustained collective struggle.

The labour centres assured workers in the Federal Capital Territory that they would not be abandoned, vowing to stand with them until their demands were met.