The strike by employees of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has entered its second day, causing widespread power outages across Kaduna and neighboring states. The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has insisted that the company withdraws the disengagement letters issued to 900 workers before normal operations can resume.
The industrial action has disrupted electricity supply in Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, leaving homes and businesses in darkness. The striking workers are also protesting other issues, including unpaid pensions, lack of necessary work tools, stalled promotions, and the non-implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage.
In an interview with journalists, the Chairman of NUEE in Kaduna State, Comrade Sheyin Wakili, explained that the union is not against the management’s decision to lay off workers but is opposed to the manner in which it was done. According to him, the affected employees were dismissed without receiving their full entitlements as required by labor laws.
“We are not against the management’s decision to disengage staff, but we reject the failure to fulfil legal obligations. The conditions of service stipulate that disengaged staff must receive their full entitlements, which management has refused to pay,” Wakili said.
He further disclosed that during a meeting mediated by the Department of State Services (DSS), an agreement was initially reached for management to withdraw the dismissal letters. However, the company later went back on its promise, prompting the union to continue the strike.
“We told them that once the disengagement letters are withdrawn, we will restore power supply immediately. It won’t even take five minutes. But management has refused to listen and instead continues to toy with the livelihoods of our members,” he added.
