The National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE has plunged Kaduna and neigbouring State into darkness following an indefinite strike.
The strike, which began on Monday, is in protest against the alleged sack of over 900 staff members, by the Kaduna State Electricity Company.
The workers embarked on an indefinite strike over number of welfare issues. These included non-payment of outstanding pensions, lack of promotions and inadequate work tools. Also included in their grievance is the non-implementation of the 2024 national minimum wage.
The union claims that 900 workers were affected but the management of Kaduna Electric said only 450 employees were issued “services no longer required” letters.
According to the Kaduna State NUEE Chairman, Comrade Sheyin Nuhu Wakili, the workers’ entitlements must be paid before any disengagement.
Stating this on Tuesday, Wakili further revealed that during a meeting with the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, the management had agreed to withdraw the disengagement letters. He regretted that the management later reneged on the agreement.
Recall that the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) has also backed the strike. This was confirmed by the Kaduna Branch President, of SSAFAC, Comrade Baffa Safiyanu Isyaku. He stated that electricity cannot be restored in Kaduna unless the demands of the workers are met.
He said, “I urge citizens to sympathize with their plight. I call on the company to resolve the issue because the workers have families to cater for.”
Reacting to the strike development, the Kaduna Electric’s Head of Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, gave reasons for management incapacitation. He explained that the company was undergoing a comprehensive transformation to ensure long-term sustainability.
Abdullahi assured customers that the company was committed to transparency and fairness in all dealings. He also acknowledged public concerns over the blackout caused by the strike.
source: Daily Post
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