Electricity blackout remained in Kaduna as the picketing of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO’s) headquarters by striking workers entered the second day on Tuesday.
The workers under the auspices of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) embarked on an indefinite strike action on Monday to protest the alleged sack of 900 workers by the KAEDCO management.
The NUEE leaders, who maintained the takeover of the company’s entrance on Tuesday, insisted the Kaduna Electric management must withdraw the sack letters from the affected staff to suspend the strike.
NUEE leaders said they have grievances, including non-payment of outstanding pension to retirees, inadequate provision of necessary work tools, lack of promotions for deserving employees and non-implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage.
Comrade Sheyin Nuhu Wakili, Chairman of NUEE, Kaduna State Council said NUEE was not entirely opposed to the management’s decision to sack the 900 workers but their entitlements must be paid in full if they are suddenly disengaged.
According to him: “We are not opposed to the management’s decision to sack staff, but we are opposed to the manner in which it was done.
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“The condition of service stipulates that sacked staff must be paid their entitlements, which the management has refused to do.”
Wakili revealed that the management had initially agreed to withdraw the disengagement letters during a meeting with the Department of State Service(DSS) held on Monday, but later reneged on the agreement.
“We told them that once they withdraw the letters, we will restore power supply immediately. It will not take us even five minutes.But the management has refused to listen, and instead, has chosen to play games with the livelihoods of our members,” he said..
The strike left the whole of Kaduna in darkness with Kaduna Electric franchise States of Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara with residents and businesses affected by the power outage.
The NUEE apologised to customers for the inconvenience, but maintained that the strike was necessary to protect the rights of workers.
“We understand the plight of our customers, and we apologise for the inconvenience this strike has caused. But we cannot continue to watch as our members are treated like slaves. We will continue to fight for their rights, no matter the cost,” Wakili said.
The union vowed to continue the strike until the management meets its demands, which include the withdrawal of the disengagement letters, payment of entitlements to sacked staff, and improved welfare for workers.
“We will not back down until our demands are met. We are willing to negotiate, but we will not be intimidated or coerced into accepting anything less than what is due to our members,” Wakili said.
However, contrary to the claims by the Labour unions that 900 staff members were affected, the Management of Kaduna Electric confirmed that “services no longer required” letters were issued to 450 employees.
In a statement by the Company’s, Head, Corporate Communication, Kaduna Electric, Abdullazeez Abdullahi, said the company acknowledges public concerns, noting that, the Kaduna Electric management initiated a comprehensive transformation exercise to ensure the company’s long-term sustainability.
“This decision was made in response to significant operational and financial challenges that have hindered the company’s ability to meet its market and operational obligations.
“The restructuring, though difficult, is described as a necessary step to align the company with current market realities and create a more efficient workforce.
“Management emphasized that this right-sizing initiative alongside capital investment are crucial for implementing impactful measures to improve operations and ensure sustainability.
“Kaduna Electric expressed regret over the prolonged power outage caused by the industrial action, which lasted over 24 hours to some of our customers across our franchise. The company remains committed to resolving labor disputes amicably and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible.
“Management also thanked security agencies for their support during the industrial action, ensuring the safety of personnel and facilities during this challenging period.
“Kaduna Electric reassured its customers of its dedication to providing reliable power supply and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the outage. The company remains focused on overcoming its current challenges and emerging stronger to better serve its customers and stakeholders,” the statement reads.
