—– Says there is need for the suspension of the strike in compliance with the Trade Dispute Act, pending the determination of the matter.

The National Industrial Court has ordered workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately suspend their ongoing strike action, stressing that industrial peace must take precedence while legal proceedings are underway.

The order was issued by Justice Emmanuel Subilim while ruling on an application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who sought a court directive compelling the striking workers to return to work. The minister instituted the suit against the President and Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) over the industrial action that has disrupted activities within the FCT.

In his ruling, Justice Subilim held that once a trade dispute is referred to the National Industrial Court, any ongoing industrial action including a strike must be suspended in line with the provisions of the Trade Dispute Act. He specifically cited Section 18(1)(e) of the Act, which mandates the suspension of strikes to allow for the resolution of disputes through legal and institutional mechanisms.

The court further explained that the commencement of the suit by originating summons amounts to a formal referral of the dispute to the court, thereby activating the legal requirement for the strike to be halted. Justice Subilim warned that failure to comply with Section 18 of the Trade Dispute Act could attract sanctions.

Emphasizing the broader implications of the dispute, the judge noted that public interest and the need to maintain industrial harmony outweigh the inconveniences that may arise from suspending the strike.

The matter was adjourned to March 25 for hearing and determination of the substantive suit.