KEDC Mgt condemns NUEE strike action

.Says strike will inflict discomfort on Nigerians

The management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) has condemned the strike action being carried out by the Nigerian Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in the state.

In a statement by its Head, Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi said the strike action was unwarranted.

“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 says a lot about its motive.

“For emphasis, 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. One wonders why the union failed to prioritise the payments then until now. This is a clear indication that the union has other motives yet unknown to us.

“Since his assumption of office in January this year, the Administrator has demonstrated willingness to work with the unions to move Kaduna Electric forward. He has held a series of meetings with them to get their buy-in into his plans to turn the company around. It therefore beggars belief why NUEE has chosen the route of industrial action instead of coming round to discuss whatever perceived grievance it may have.

“The management’s commitment to employee welfare is unwavering, and we have consistently engaged in open dialogue to address concerns. It is on record that staff enjoyed a salary increment in the CEO’s very first month in office in addition to a commitment to pay salaries when due. He has also committed to a plan to offset all liabilities as more resources become available.

“This strike action does no good to anyone but some individuals whose motive is still unclear. We urge our esteemed customers to disregard it and go about their dealings with us unhindered,” the utility added.

The workers had commenced the indefinite strike action midnight on Tuesday citing non remittance of pension contribution to over 3,000 staff RSA accounts for over 72 months and non-payment of death benefit to the families of the deceased staff of the company, as some of the reasons.