Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court has ordered workers of the Federal Capital Territory to suspend the ongoing industrial action pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.
Justice Subilim made this order while ruling on an application filed by the Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike seeking an order compelling striking FCTA workers to return to work.
The FCT Minister sued the President and the Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress, JUAC, over the strike.
In the ruling, the court held that Industrial action even a strike must be suspended when the dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court.
Section 18(1)E of the Trade Dispute Act, notes that the suspension is such that the dispute is resolved.
Once a strike is ongoing before the referral such a strike must be suspended
The commencement of the suit by originating summons constitutes a referral
The Trade Dispute Act says failure to comply with section 18 can impose sanctions.
The public interest in creating industrial peace supersedes inconveniences in suspending the strike.
The court adjourns till 25th March for the hearing
