He made the statement while handing over 12 new ambulances to FCT hospitals in Abuja on Thursday, emphasizing the need for lawful conduct in addressing workplace disputes.
The comment came in response to actions by the union leaders of the FCT workers, operating under the Joint Union Action Committee, JUAC.
JUAC had on Wednesday directed FCT workers to resume the strike they initiated on January 19, citing unresolved welfare concerns as the reason for the industrial action.
The directive by the union followed the appeal of a ruling by the National Industrial Court issued on January 27, which instructed the workers to suspend the strike and adjourned the matter to March 23 for further hearing.
The union filed the appeal through its lead counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, challenging the decision of the industrial court regarding the suspension of the strike.
Mr Wike assured that the concerns raised by the workers were being addressed and noted that most of the issues had already been resolved, signaling ongoing dialogue between the government and the unions.
He warned, however, that when dialogue is abandoned and the approach becomes politically motivated, the government would treat such actions as political opposition rather than legitimate worker grievances.
He further stated that no government would ignore attempts to undermine its administration under the guise of worker protest.
Explaining his remarks, Mr Wike indicated that the FCT administration distinguishes between genuine labor concerns and politically driven actions intended to disrupt governance.
“But when you leave dialogue and begin to join us as politicians, we will first treat you as politicians.
I can’t treat you as a worker but as a political opponent, trying to run the administration down, using some people. Of course, no government will shut its eyes and allow that to happen,” he said.
0 Comments