The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has expressed optimism that an impending industrial action by electricity workers will be averted.
The company said its management will intensify dialogue with union leaders to resolve outstanding labour issues.
THE WHISTLER had reported that the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) had threatened to resume a previously suspended industrial action over a backlog of unpaid staff entitlements and deteriorating working conditions.
In their separate letters addressed to the Managing Director of AEDC, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, the two unions expressed deep frustration over the company’s continued failure to fulfil its obligations to workers.
The unions also accused AEDC of reneging on agreements reached in November 2024, which had led to the suspension of earlier strike actions.
But the AEDC’s MD in a statement he issued in Abuja on Thursday, acknowledged receipt of a notice of industrial action and assured stakeholders that it has begun constructive engagement with representatives of the workers’ union.
He expressed confidence that, through continued negotiation and open communication, disruptions to electricity supply within the AEDC franchise area, which includes the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa states, will be avoided.
Okwuokenye said the company would settle all the legitimate allowances owed to its staff.
He called on all parties to allow the ongoing negotiations to progress without disruption, stressing its unwavering commitment to amicable resolution.
“The management has been engaging constructively with the union representatives regarding the notice of industrial action.
“We are committed to ensuring that all legitimate allowances owed to staff are settled promptly, subject to our financial processes and regulatory compliance.
“We have already initiated dialogue with the union leadership to address their concerns transparently and to seek a mutually agreeable resolution.
“We are confident that, through continued negotiation and open communication, we will find a way to avert any disruption to our operations and to uphold our commitment to the welfare of our employees.
“Our employees are at the heart of all we do, and their well-being and well-being is paramount to management”, he said.
At the time of filing this report, the union officials had not issued a final statement on whether the planned strike would proceed.
