In protest of the widespread disengagement of more than 900 employees, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) closed Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) offices in Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger states on Wednesday.
According to information obtained by Naija News, as of Wednesday morning, the electrical distribution company’s headquarters in Abuja, offices around the Federal Capital Territory, and branches in Kogi, Minna (Niger State), and Nasarawa were all under lock and key.
The conflict between organized labor and the power company’s management has escalated as a result of the action.
The NLC, led by its president, Joe Ajaero, picketed the company’s Abuja headquarters just 24 hours before to the shutdown over what it claimed was a contentious and unfair layoff of employees.
The union had previously voiced its displeasure with the situation, claiming that the withdrawal went against previous agreements with management and that proper process had not been followed.
Speaking on the crisis, Ajaero stated that the conflict started roughly six months ago when the company’s management allegedly promised labor leaders that only employees who had attained retirement age or were nearing retirement would be impacted.
Based on that understanding, the union intervened at that time. He stated, “No responsible labor leader would oppose the departure of workers who have rightfully reached retirement age.”
But he bemoaned the fact that the reality was different and accused the firm of deceiving the union.
Most of those impacted weren’t old enough to retire. Some had served for as little as five or six years. Many had actually just been employed for two or three years. “That is the pinnacle of dishonesty,” said Ajaero.
In the midst of the impasse, the NLC gave the electrical distribution company’s management a 48-hour deadline to settle the conflict or risk escalated labor unrest on Tuesday.
The labor union threatened to disrupt the delivery of energy throughout the Federal Capital Territory and the impacted states if its demands were not met.
We are unable to ensure power supply if nothing is done within that time frame. The employees that maintain the system will remain at home, and the system will inevitably be impacted if they are not working, Ajaero cautioned.
Residents and companies in Abuja and the surrounding states are concerned about the development because they fear a possible blackout if the conflict is not settled quickly.
As of the time this report was filed, the AEDC’s management had not yet formally responded to the labor union’s most recent action.
