Residents of Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states have been left in darkness following an industrial action embarked upon by staff of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC).
The workers, under the aegis of the Nigerian Union of Electricity Employees, commenced an indefinite strike on Tuesday after staging a protest over what they termed unjust treatment by the management of the company.
Some of the workers’ grievances include over six years’ unremitted pension, non-payment of the death benefit of deceased staff of the company, non-payment of exit package, the unjust sack of seven staff of the firm in Zaria, and an alleged plan to sack over 1,000 workers of the company, among others.
The management of KEDC has, however, condemned workers’ action, describing it as “completely unjustified.”
In a statement by its Head of Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, the firm said for the union to choose this path at the very start of the holy month of Ramadan and inflict more discomfort on hapless Nigerians by embarking on an ill-advised strike and forcing staff from carrying out their legitimate duties says a lot about its motive.
According to him, the union’s demand for payment of outstanding pension arrears “is part of the historic debts accumulated under two previous managements.”
“One wonders why the union failed to prioritise the payments then until now. This is a clear indication that the union has other motives yet unknown to us,” he added.
Abdullahi said the Chief Executive Officer, Umar Hashidu had demonstrated willingness to work with the unions to move the company forward since assumption of office in January.
“The CEO held a series of meetings with NUEE to get their buy-in into his plans to turn the company around.
“The management is committed to the employee welfare,” he said, adding that it had been consistently engaged in open dialogue to address concerns.
Abdullahi said the administrator had increased salaries within one month after assuming duty, and committed towards ensuring prompt payment of salaries and liabilities.
“The strike action does no good to anyone but some individuals whose motive is still unclear.
“We urge our esteemed customers to disregard it and go about their dealings with us unhindered.”
