Activities across government offices in the Federal Capital Territory have been disrupted following a coordinated withdrawal of services by public sector workers, escalating tensions between labour unions and the FCT administration.
The industrial action comes after workers, under the umbrella of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), resolved to halt operations in protest against what they described as prolonged neglect of staff welfare and career progression concerns.
According to union officials, the decision followed the lapse of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to the management of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Despite several engagements during the notice period, labour leaders said their demands received no concrete response.
JUAC President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, said the union had exercised restraint before taking the drastic step.
“Our members waited patiently and explored dialogue, but the silence from authorities left us with no alternative,” she stated.
Furthermore, the unions listed a backlog of unresolved issues, including unpaid promotion arrears, delayed advancement exercises and the continued retention of retired directors and permanent secretaries beyond statutory service years.
They argued that these practices have stifled career growth for serving officers.
In addition, JUAC accused the FCTA of failing to remit statutory deductions such as pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments, a situation the unions warned could jeopardise workers’ future security.
Attention was also drawn to the 2024 promotion examinations, which JUAC described as poorly conducted.
Union sources claimed the exercise disadvantaged a large number of candidates, thereby deepening frustration within the workforce.
Meanwhile, the unions confirmed that formal notices of the action had been communicated to key government officials, including the Minister of State for the FCT and the Head of Service, stressing that the shutdown would persist until meaningful steps are taken to address the grievances.
As the strike continues, residents and businesses within the FCT and its area councils are bracing for prolonged disruptions, while labour leaders insist that only concrete commitments from the authorities can restore normalcy.