The indefinite strike embarked upon by staff members of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has entered its second day, with the National Union of Electricity Employees insisting that the management must withdraw the letters of disengagement issued to 900 staff members.
The WHISTLER reports that the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company was shut down as workers embarked on an indefinite strike over an alleged plan by the management to sack over 900 employees.
The strike, which began on Monday, was also in protest of other grievances, including non-payment of outstanding pensions to retirees, inadequate provision of necessary work tools, lack of promotions for deserving employees, and non-implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage.
However, the union told one of our correspondents in Kaduna Tuesday that they were not opposed to the management’s sacking of the 900 workers but that their entitlements must be paid in full.
“We are not opposed to the management’s decision to sack staff, but we are opposed to the manner in which it was done
“The condition of service stipulates that sacked staff must be paid their entitlements, which the management has refused to do,” said Comrade Sheyin Nuhu Wakili, Chairman of the NUEE, Kaduna State Council.
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 the 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 has left the entire state of Kaduna in darkness and Kaduna Electric franchise states of Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, with residents and businesses affected by the power outage.
The NUEE apologized 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 apologize 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.
The management of Kaduna Electric has yet to comment on the latest developments in the strike.
When contacted, the Head of Corporate Communication at Kaduna Electric, Abdullazeez Abdullahi, said, “Hello, we will share a statement with you when it’s ready. Thank you for simply reaching out,” in response to our correspondent’s inquiry about the matter, in a WhatsApp message.
