JUAC calls off strike, releases 17-point agenda to FCTA for implementation
By Taofeek Lawal, Abuja
The Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with the response of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello towards addressing its 17 points demands on implementation of the FCT civil service law.
Addressing members of staff on the outcome of its meeting with the FCTA, Chairman of the JUAC for FCTA, FCDA and SDAs, Matilukoro Korode, said the Union has called off its warning strike after the expiration of its 3-day strike following a positive response from the Administration.
According to Korode, the FCT Minister had assured the Union of his commitment to set up necessary structures that will entrench the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission. He also added that the minister promised to appoint Administrative Secretaries and Commissioners between now and when the budget for 2021 is approved.
While noting that contrary to impressions that the Union is at loggerhead with the current Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Adesola Olusola, Korode expressed the readiness of JUAC to work in harmony with the Permanent Secretary to achieve the implementation of the law.
“JUAC does not have a problem with the permanent secretary but we are aware that the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission will affect his office but he (the permanent secretary) should be the last to be posted to the FCTA. We want the full implementation of the law and the permanent secretary has said he is ready to work for the interest of the union and if he reneges, we will take him up on it. We have called off the warning strike for the next two months with the hope that the right thing will be done before then. We expect that things will work well so that we will not go back to the strike, Korode said.
The JUAC chairman warned that the union is not resting on its oars as it will be hitting the doors of the management if it fails to effect the implementation of the demands within the period promised.
Some of the 17 points agenda tabled by the union before the FCTA among others include; immediate release of the 2018 promotion of 51 Area Council staff, domestication of the Medical and Resident Training Act, enforcement of compulsory retirement leave and training for prospective retirees, erection of a befitting and standard staff canteen for members.
