Thousands of workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) began an indefinite strike today, Monday, locking the gates to major government offices and stopping work across the city.
The strike involves members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), which represents workers for the FCT Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
The workers are protesting because they say the government has failed to implement a law that gives them more independence and better career growth.
The main issue is the "FCT Civil Service Commission Act," which was signed into law in 2018 but has not been fully put to use.
Without this law being active, workers say they cannot be promoted to the highest levels of their careers, such as becoming a "Permanent Secretary."
They also complained that many workers have not received their promotion letters or proper pay for several years.
"We have been patient for too long," said one union leader. "We want the government to respect the laws they made."
Because of the strike, many people who went to government offices on Monday to get documents or do business were turned away at the gates.
Essential services, including some parts of city maintenance and administrative work, have come to a halt.
The workers have vowed not to return to their desks until the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Government address their demands.
For now, the gates remain locked, and the union says the strike will continue until they see real changes.
