Abuja:The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the Federal Capital Territory have rejected Minister Nyesom Wike’s directive to enforce a no-work, no-pay policy on striking workers.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NLC FCT Council Chairman Knabayi Adalo and NUT FCT Wing Secretary Margaret Jethro both issued circulars labeling the directive as unconstitutional, illegal, and unenforceable. The minister’s order followed an indefinite strike declared by the NLC on October 7 due to unresolved disputes with the FCT Administration.
Wike instructed area council chairmen, the FCT Head of Civil Service, principals, and headteachers to monitor attendance and enforce the no-work, no-pay policy. Adalo urged workers to ignore the threats concerning salary deductions and assured them that strike action is a legitimate right under Nigerian law and international labor standards.
Citing constitutional and legal protections for strikes, Adalo pointed out that the no-work, no-pay rule is only applicable to illegal strikes. He argued that the FCT Administration had provoked the strike by violating teachers’ rights and imposing unfair conditions on promotions.
Adalo also referenced previous court rulings supporting the workers’ stance on salary entitlements during legitimate strikes. He instructed teachers not to sign attendance registers during the strike, stressing that such actions are intended to undermine the workers’ unity.
Both Adalo and Jethro insisted that the FCT Administration should address the workers’ core grievances, including the removal of the vacancy clause and the reinstatement of demoted directors. They reassured teachers and workers that their jobs and salaries would be protected.
Jethro further criticized the no-work, no-pay policy as an empty threat and encouraged teachers to stand firm in their demands for improved welfare. She also expressed disappointment with the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools for not supporting the strike.