
Electrical energy blackout remained in Kaduna because the picketing of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO’s) headquarters by placing employees entered the second day on Tuesday.
The employees below the auspices of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) launched into an indefinite strike motion on Monday to protest the alleged sack of 900 employees by the KAEDCO administration.
The NUEE leaders, who maintained the takeover of the corporate’s entrance on Tuesday, insisted the Kaduna Electrical administration should withdraw the sack letters from the affected employees to droop the strike.
NUEE leaders mentioned they’ve grievances, together with non-payment of excellent pension to retirees, insufficient provision of crucial work instruments, lack of promotions for deserving workers and non-implementation of the 2024 Nationwide Minimal Wage.
Comrade Sheyin Nuhu Wakili, Chairman of NUEE, Kaduna State Council mentioned NUEE was not completely against the administration’s choice to sack the 900 employees however their entitlements should be paid in full if they’re instantly disengaged.
In line with him: “We’re not against the administration’s choice to sack employees, however we’re against the way through which it was finished.
“The situation of service stipulates that sacked employees should be paid their entitlements, which the administration has refused to do.”
Wakili revealed that the administration had initially agreed to withdraw the disengagement letters throughout a gathering with the Division of State Service(DSS) held on Monday, however later reneged on the settlement.
“We informed them that after they withdraw the letters, we are going to restore energy provide instantly. It is not going to take us even 5 minutes.However the administration has refused to pay attention, and as an alternative, has chosen to play video games with the livelihoods of our members,” he mentioned..
The strike left the complete of Kaduna in darkness with Kaduna Electrical franchise States of Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara with residents and companies affected by the facility outage.
The NUEE apologised to prospects for the inconvenience, however maintained that the strike was crucial to guard the rights of employees.
“We perceive the plight of our prospects, and we apologise for the inconvenience this strike has triggered. However we can not proceed to observe as our members are handled like slaves. We’ll proceed to struggle for his or her rights, regardless of the associated fee,” Wakili mentioned.
The union vowed to proceed the strike till the administration meets its calls for, which embody the withdrawal of the disengagement letters, fee of entitlements to sacked employees, and improved welfare for employees.
“We is not going to again down till our calls for are met. We’re prepared to barter, however we is not going to be intimidated or coerced into accepting something lower than what is because of our members,” Wakili mentioned.
Nevertheless, opposite to the claims by the Labour unions that 900 employees members had been affected, the Administration of Kaduna Electrical confirmed that “providers not required” letters had been issued to 450 workers.
In an announcement by the Firm’s, Head, Company Communication, Kaduna Electrical, Abdullazeez Abdullahi, mentioned the corporate acknowledges public issues, noting that, the Kaduna Electrical administration initiated a complete transformation train to make sure the corporate’s long-term sustainability.
“This choice was made in response to vital operational and monetary challenges which have hindered the corporate’s capacity to satisfy its market and operational obligations.
“The restructuring, although troublesome, is described as a crucial step to align the corporate with present market realities and create a extra environment friendly workforce.
“Administration emphasised that this right-sizing initiative alongside capital funding are essential for implementing impactful measures to enhance operations and guarantee sustainability.
“Kaduna Electrical expressed remorse over the extended energy outage brought on by the commercial motion, which lasted over 24 hours to a few of our prospects throughout our franchise. The corporate stays dedicated to resolving labor disputes amicably and restoring regular operations as rapidly as potential.
“Administration additionally thanked safety companies for his or her help in the course of the industrial motion, making certain the security of personnel and amenities throughout this difficult interval.
“Kaduna Electrical reassured its prospects of its dedication to offering dependable energy provide and apologized for the inconvenience brought on by the outage. The corporate stays centered on overcoming its present challenges and rising stronger to raised serve its prospects and stakeholders,” the assertion reads.