…Kaduna Electric condemns strike.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State branch of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), on Tuesday, commenced indefinite strike action to press home some demands, after one week warning notice.
The Union had earlier in its statement signed by the State Secretary, Comrade Ado Ali, notified Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company of their indefinite strike threat due to non-remittance of pension contribution to over 3,000 staff RSA accounts for over 72 months.
A statement addressed to Kaduna State NLC chairperson also complained of non-payment of death benefits to families of deceased staff of their company, lack of enablers for company staff such as vehicles, ladders, safety wears, working tools amongst others.
The statement, read in parts: “The Chairperson Nigerian Labour Congress Kaduna State Council. Notice of total shutdown of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company: I am directed to inform you that the National leadership of our Union has directed us to embark on indefinite strike action to shut down activities of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, effective Tuesday 12/03/2024, starting at exact time 00:00HRS,” it stated.
They also added that the reason to shutdown Kaduna include “Non remittance of pension contribution to over 3,000 staff RSA accounts for over 72 months.
“Compiled Non-payment of death benefits to the families of the deceased staff of the company. Lack of enablers to company staff, (e.g., vehicles, ladders, safety wears, working tools, etc.).
“Promotion to deserved staff suspended for over eight (8) years. Non-payment of 35k Federal Government approved wage award to company staff.
“Seven numbers of wrongly disengaged members on Zaria accident. Lack of proper medical services to staff, etc.
“Sir, we may need the congress assistance to enable us ensure total compliance with National Secretariat directives.”
Reacting to the strike in a release Tuesday, the Management of Kaduna Electric emphasized that the strike action embarked upon by members of the NUEE is “completely unjustified and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.”
According to Kaduna Electric, “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 is ill-motivated.”
Management emphasized that “The Union’s demand for payment of outstanding pension arrears, which is the supposed justification for forcing misery on citizens, is part of the historic debts accumulated under two previous managements, wondering why the NUEE failed to prioritize the payments at that time until now.”
The release, signed by Head, Corporate Communications, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Kaduna Electric, stated that the action is a clear indication that the Union has other motives yet unknown to them.
It further noted that since his assumption of office, in January this year, the current Administrator has demonstrated willingness to work with the Unions to move Kaduna Electric forward, and has held series of meetings with them to get their buy-in into his plans to turn the company around.
Findings revealed the epileptic electricity supply remain the same, as the strike action does not make much difference to many consumers, even the company insisted in supplying power to customers and distributing bills.